HC Deb 23 July 1986 vol 102 cc313-4W
Sir Fergus Montgomery

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons are employed in Her Majesty's Customs and Excise service; and what were the comparable figures in 1981, 1976 and 1971.

Mr. Brooke

At 31 March 1986, 25,395 persons were employed in Her Majesty's Customs and Excise; comparable figures were 26,861 at 31 March 1981, 29,551 at 31 March 1976 and 17,949 at 31 March 1971.

Sir Fergus Montgomery

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of administration of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise service in the last 12-month period for which figures are available; and what was the comparable figures for 1981, 1976 and 1971.

Mr. Brooke

The cost of administration of Her Majesty's Custom and Excise in 1985–86 is estimated to have been £411,800,000; comparable figures are £299,683,000 for 1980–81, £174,140,000 for 1975–76, and £45,082,000 for 1970–71.

Sir Fergus Montgomery

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what codes of practice exist for the guidance of Customs and Excise officers in the pursuit of their duties; whether any further codes are planned; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brooke

Customs and Excise issues the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 codes of practice to those staff requiring them in the course of their duties. Codes of practice as such are not otherwise issued to its staff. However, there is a wide range of books of instructions which are updated regularly. These instructions give guidance on the law, the technical aspects of the department's work, and the way officers are to carry out their duties.

Sir Fergus Montgomery

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer who is responsible for overseeing the procedure and work of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in the execution of its duties; what disciplinary proceedings are available in the event of abuse of these powers by officers; if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brooke

The responsibility for the general procedures and work of the Customs and Excise lies with the Board of Customs and Excise. Day-to-day control of Customs and Excise officers in local stations is exercised through 21 regional controllers, called collectors, who are responsible to the board.

Any misuse of authority by an officer will be investigated by the Department within the Civil Service disciplinary procedures. These provide for formal charges to be raised and for penalties to be awarded, in varying degrees of severity according to the gravity of the case, if the charge is proved.