§ Mr. Staintonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Customs entry processing at the port of Felixstowe has been returned to computer operating; what is the backlog following recent industrial action; if he is satisfied with the capacity of the automatic data processing system designed for 550 entries per day when traffic is currently some 25 per cent. higher; and if he will ensure that Government economies do not lead to adverse staff costs in this export area.
§ Mr. Peter ReesCustoms and Excise restored the computerised entry processing system at Felixstowe to full operation on 2 July. There was then a backlog of entries which resulted in clearance times of, on average, three-and-a-half to four days. With restoration of the computer system it is hoped that this unsatisfactory position will quickly improve. For priority entries clearance within three to four hours is normally achieved. The computer system can accommodate greater increases in traffic levels than have so far occurred.
In order to achieve the economies in public expenditure to which the Government are committed, I cannot except any area of Customs and Excise from scrutiny.