Lord Bruce of Downingtownasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will state, for each calendar year since 1978 (or each fiscal year if more convenient) the total number of individuals, of Customs and Excise grade, employed at all ports (including airports) in the United Kingdom approved for handling of freight.
§ The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Lord Young of Graffham)The numbers of Customs and Excise staff in post at ports, airports and inland clearance premises approved for the handling of freight in the fiscal years 1978–79 to 1987–88. were:—
The expected equivalent figure for 1988–89 is 8034.
1978–79 7591 1979–80 7231 1980–81 7088 1981–82 6861 1982–83 6717 1983–84 6552 1984–85 6715 1985–86 6880 1986–87 7307 1987–88 7684