§ Mr. Crouchasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he has given to the effect of moving the Customs and Excise office from Faversham to Ramsgate on shipping using Whitstable harbour.
§ Mr. BrookeThe customs paperwork and control of cargo concerning shipping using Whitstable harbour is to be transferred from Faversham to Ramsgate. There are no other changes.
§ Mr. Crouchasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy not to transfer the Customs and Excise office from Faversham to Ramsgate.
§ Mr. BrookeAt present the office at Faversham deals with both customs and excise matters and it is only the customs work which will he transferred—the excise work will continue to be performed at Faversham.
Customs is constantly reviewing its staffing arrangements and seeking to achieve greater efficiency in line with Government policy. The local collector considers the transfer of entry processing work to Ramsgate will lead to better management and greater efficiency where it will be possible to make use of new office technology as it is introduced. I understand that discussions are continuing with the trade interests concerned to ensure they are able to take full advantage of benefits accruing from this transfer.