NAWK fears the freeports
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Speaking at the annual lunch of the National Association of Warehouse Keepers in London last week the chairman, Mr Richard, attacked the concept of Freeports. NAWK has consistently opposed the scheme.
It is their view that existing banded warehouses are capable of coping with the traffic which Freeports are expected to handle. There is a fear that existing bonded warehouse facilities will be replaced by similar facilities within Freeports. NAWK is also apprehensive that the six Freeports will enjoy preferential vat treatment. The association has 600 members, but not all have bonded premises.
Many of the members warehouse facilities are located in inner cities and Mr Richard was particularly critical of the proposed London lorry bans. "Any ban will be difficult and costly to enforce," he said. NAWK supports the Secretary of State for Transport, Nicholas Ridley, saying that the GLC has not yet made out a decent case,