HC Deb 22 February 1983 vol 37 cc399-400W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made towards forming the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the possible establishment of free ports; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

The working group under my chairmanship which has been examining this question will be reporting its findings and recommendation very shortly.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if European Community rules and regulations permit the undertaking of any industrial activities apart from processing, mixing and bottling in free ports; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Yes. The activities permitted are wide-ranging. They are specified inCouncil directive 69/75/EEC of 4 March 1969 on the harmonisation of provisions relating to free zones; and Council directive 71/235/EEC of 21 June 1971 on harmonisation of the provisions relating to the usual forms of handling which may be carried out in customs warehouses and in free zones.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what restrictions are placed by the European Community on the range of incentives, tax exemptions and other cash privileges which may be offered within free ports; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if European Community regulations place any restrictions on the ownership of land within free ports; and, in particular, whether free ports may be established on private land;

(3) if European Community regulations permit national Governments to exempt firms in free ports from any health, safety, labelling or similar legal obligations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the complexity of European Community and other restrictions in free ports, he will initiate a free port experiment before carrying out any major policy change; and if he will consider Southend-on-Sea airport for such an experimental scheme.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

I ask my hon. Friend to await the report of the working group under my chairmanship, which has been examining the desirability or otherwise of the establishment of free ports in the United Kingdom.