§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of recent delays and consequent loss of good will to rail freight traffic, including the apple train from Dover to Sheffield, caused by Customs and Excise formalities, he will take steps to speed up Customs procedures at international cross points.
§ Mr. HayhoeCustoms and Excise formalities have been, and continue to be, the subject of review, in order to ensure that official procedures for controlling imports and exports for freight are kept to a necessary minimum. Customs have coped with substantial increases in traffic at Dover without any significant increase in time taken for clearance. At present 65 per cent. of imports through294W Dover are cleared within two hours, rising to 80 per cent. within four hours. Customs have received no complaints suggesting that delays are leading to loss of good will to rail freight traffic.