§ Mr. Hunterasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Her Majesty's Government accept the desirability of the introduction of new technology so that statistical information no longer has to be collected at European Community frontiers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeIt is, of course, desirable that new technology should be used wherever possible and on a cost-effective basis to collect information in a way which will minimise delays at European Community frontiers. The United Kingdom already has efficient computer systems which directly collect statistics for about three quarters of all import traffic. Her Majesty's Customs and Excise has plans to extend the scope and capability of these systems and is considering, in particular, whether it will be possible to use them to collect statistics on exports.
The European Community is evolving a plan for co-ordinating the development of member states' computer systems in order to maximise the benefits of new technology for intra-Community trade. Her Majesty's Goverment will lend full support to any proposals which are conducive to the reduction of frontier delays, provided that any investment in the systems or developments proposed is properly appraised and justified.