Media statement For immediate release Thursday, 20 July 2006

United Future wins support for exporters on clearance costs

United Future's Customs spokesperson Gordon Copeland today welcomed the Government's decision to fund a significant part of export clearance costs for a further two financial years.

"This matter has had a most interesting background," said Mr Copeland.

"The international war on terrorism has necessitated an enormous and very costly upgrade to New Zealand's border security arrangements and early on, the Government was committed to covering a high proportion of the resultant costs by way of a levy on exporters and importers.

"In the last Parliament we argued strongly that this is a "defence of the realm" issue and that the cost should accordingly be borne by the Crown. We have continued our advocacy, in that regard, in the present Parliament.

"In particular, as part of the budget process, we asked "that any further costs relating to border security provisions affecting exporters (including tourism) be met by the Crown.

"We are very pleased, therefore, that the Government has decided to fund those costs for a further two financial years," said Mr Copeland.

ENDS

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