HC Deb 14 March 1978 vol 946 cc175-6W
Mr. David Hunt

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will suspend the implementation of the revised boarding procedures for commercial vessels, in the light of recent representations made to him, or consider implementing the changes for a short trial period only.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

The introduction of selective boarding will in the main be a gradual process with continuous scope for discussion of any local difficulties, and I see no need to suspend the implementation of the changes due to be made on 1st April 1978.

During the introductory period the progress of the new procedures will be closely monitored by both Customs and the professional bodies representing the shipping interests, so that every attempt can be made to resolve any practical problems.

Mr. David Hunt

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people have been employed hitherto in the Customs Waterguard whose work is to be transferred to shipowners or their agents under the revised boarding procedures for commercial vesels and how many redundancies will result from the new procedures.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

The introduction of the revised boarding procedures will involve no change in the legal responsibility of the master of a vessel to prepare documents for presentation to Customs; it will remain a commercial decision whether or not an agent is employed to assist him. The more selective approach to boarding will be introduced gradually, and savings in Customs staffing will be achieved without creating redundancies.

Sir John Rodgers

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why Her Majesty's Customs and Excise issued Notice No. 69 on Revised Boarding Procedures for Commercial Vessels before seeking the views and support of interested bodies such as the Institute of Chartered Ship-brokers, the General Council of British Shipping, the Institute of Freight Forwarders, the London General Shipowners Society and the British Motor Ship Owners Association.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

The intention of Customs to revise its boarding procedures in April 1978 was first announced in a Press notice on 5th October 1977. Consultations took place subsequently, and are continuing, between Customs and the professional bodies representing the shipping industry. Customs Notice No. 69, which describes the new procedures, was issued in January 1978.