asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how long his Department takes to process the statistical yellow copy of the C10 general import entry form, with respect to textile and clothing goods which are in Community-free circulation; and what steps he is taking to keep this time to a minimum, in view of the need to provide trade associations and industry with accurate data on the level of such imports.

The forms are sent to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise statistical office daily from ports throughout the United Kingdom. Statistical processing of the forms is carried out continuously and monthly statistics giving detailed information by commodity heading and country are published on about the 18 working day of the following month. Imports which are in Community-free circulation are not separately identified in the statistics.