§ Lord Cadmanasked Her Majesty's Government:
By what statute Her Majesty's Customs & Excise and Immigration are able to make charges for the provision of their services at ports and airports; on what basis such charges are made; and whether they are negotiable by the parties concerned. [HL2813]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyCustoms & Excise levy charges for the provision of their services at ports and airports under the Implementing Provisions of the Community Customs Code, which is European Community legislation, and the Customs & Excise Management Act 1979. Charges are levied when traders request official attendance at places where officers are not normally on duty or at times outside normal authorised hours. They reflect the economic costs of the staff attending and are not negotiable.
Additional, or particular services are provided by the Immigration Service at the request of the port operator or carrier under Section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 1988. The charges are based on the principle of full cost of recovery and are not negotiable.