§ Mr. Matthew BanksTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the recommendations contained in Sir Richard Scott's report relating to Customs and Excise legislation and procedures. [35979]
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeSir Richard Scott made a number of recommendations in his report relating to Customs and Excise legislation and procedures. These may be found in chapter K4 of his report. All his recommendations have either been accepted by the Government as they stand or, in a few cases, following detailed consideration by the commissioners of Customs and Excise and their legal advisers, the concerns reflected 491W in Sir Richard's recommendations will be met in an alternative manner to that proposed. The Government's detailed response to each recommendation is contained in a paper which I have placed in the Libraries of both Houses.