HC Deb 04 April 1989 vol 150 cc3-4W
Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what was the total amount spent by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in 1988 on management and computer consultancy contracts, excluding hardware and software purchases; and if he will list each management or computer consultancy contract awarded by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in 1988, giving in each case the name of the consultancy firm and the subject of the assignment.

Mr. Lilley

The total amount spent by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in 1988 was £3,527,225.

The consultancy firms awarded contracts in management and computer consultancy, excluding hardware and software purchases are as follows:

Firm Assignments
Advanced Computer Services Limited Intelligence networks
Apricot Network upgrading
Arthur Andersen VAT work planning systems
Arthur Young Strategic database
BIS Applied Systems Cabling requirements
British Telecom Customs handling of import and export freight (CHIEF)
Bull (Honeywell) Extension of computerised intelligence system
Computer Centre Network upgrading study

Mr. Lilley

Since we do not accept the Commission's proposals for harmonisation of taxes/excise duties on alcohol and tobacco we have not accepted, nor are we bound by, any current EC Commission proposals involving the convergence of rates of tax on these items. All such proposals on matters of taxation would require unanimity before they could be binding on member states.