§ Mr. Meadowcroftasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has examined complaints into the alleged detention and threatening of staff at Systime plc during a visit by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in July 1984; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Brooke[pursuant to his reply, 26 November 1985]: Officers from the investigation division of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise visited the offices of Systime plc in July 1984. The personnel at Systime plc were co-operative and nobody was detained or threatened. At the time, solicitors for those interviewed questioned the content of one of the witnesses statements taken which was amended to their satisfaction. The solicitors and Systime plc were informed in January 1985 that no action would be taken. The Commissioners of Customs and Excise are unaware of any complaint about the conduct of their officers in this matter but will investigate thoroughly any specific allegations.