Government has moved to dispel any uncertainty over the operation of HM Customs at the Hamilton docks during the blackout last Thursday and Friday.

This follows a story about a local businessman who complained that he was unable to collect his containers from the docks on the Friday afternoon because Customs officers ?had gone home?.

Government spokesperson, Beverle Lottimore, had reported the following day that HM Customs had personnel on the docks for the purpose of clearing goods on both days.

According to Ms Lottimore, Customs officers released goods until 2.30 p.m. on Friday, July 15 and at that time, Stevedoring Services informed the Customs Department that all containers that could be released had been released.

These included all containers with perishable goods.

In a statement yesterday, Ms Lottimore said it should be noted that in addition to the authorised delivery of perishable and emergency goods that had been properly declared to Customs and were duty paid, consideration was also given to customers who sought to pick up perishable and emergency merchandise that had not been properly cleared through Customs control. ?Their merchandise was released with the requirement for the proper declaration and payment of duty to be made within three working days,? she said.

Ms Lottimore said the Number seven shed was closed due to poor visibility as there was no power in the building and it was agreed with Stevedoring Services that this posed a Health and Safety threat.

The Number seven shed contains non-perishable items.

?At a critical time, and in the spirit of co-operation as had been requested by the Premier, HM Customs answered the call and we are grateful for the services that they provided.?