§ Mr. Gouldasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Customs and Excise officials have specialised in the implementation and enforcement of the multi-fibre arrangement and other textile trade regulations in each year since 1979.
§ Mr. HayhoeSince 1982, six Customs and Excise headquarters officials have specialised in the implementation of the multi-fibre arrangement; previously the figure was five. All officials responsible for enforcing controls on imported freight are expected to take account of the MFA and other controls relating to the textile trade, but it is not known whether any specialise in this work. In addition, since 1980 Customs investigation division has deployed a team of around 10 specialist investigators devoted to licensing matters generally.
§ Mr. Gouldasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many prosecutions of importers have taken place in each year from 1982 for the fraudulent importation of textile and clothing goods in circumvention of the quotas agreed under the multi-fibre arrangement.
§ Mr. HayhoeCompanies and individuals prosecuted each year from 1982 for the fraudulent or attempted fraudulent importation of goods in circumvention of quotas agreed under the multi-fibre arrangement are as follows:
Number 1982 19 1983 3 1984 6 1985 2 * To date. Since 1983, Customs normal policy has been to offer to compound proceedings in all but the most blatant cases of fraud. A significant number of cases are, therefore, settled out of court. However, to identify the number of cases involved would involve a disproportionate use of resources.