§ Mr. Moateasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is in a position to make a statement about the Government's intentions as regards the proposal to increase charges for Customs attendance following the 1981 Rayner scrutiny.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe Government have decided that, with effect from 1 April 1985, charges for Customs attendance outside normal hours will be set at rates which reflect the economic cost of the staff employed on such occasions. 635W However, at approved places where there is regular attendance, there will be no charge for attendance at any time from Monday to Saturday inclusive, except on public holidays. Thus the new rates will apply only in the case of attendance on Sundays and public holidays.
As at present, requests will be required for all attendance outside the usual working hours of the port or place concerned and requests will continue to be granted by Customs where it is satisfied that a legitimate trade need exists at the time and provided local Customs resources allow.
The arrangements for charging for attendance at unapproved places, or places approved only for occassional use are not affected by this decision. Charges will continue to be raised for all attendances for Customs clearance at such places at any time.
Customs will publish full details of the new arrangements in due course.