§ MR. A. E. GATHORNE-HARDY (Sussex, East Grinstead) (for Sir EDWARD WATKIN) (Hythe)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, pending the duration of the Great Exhibition in Paris in 1889, he is prepared to 203 recommend that (while reserving the right to examine in cases of suspicion) the examination by the Custom House officials of the baggage of passengers returning from Paris to England be suspended?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)It would, I think, be premature to come to any decision now with regard to Departmental arrangements to be made in 1889; but it would not be desirable, from Revenue and other points of view, to suspend altogether the Customs examination of the baggage of passengers returning from Paris to England after the Great Exhibition; but the hon. Gentleman may be assured that no inconvenience will be inflicted upon passengers which is not absolutely necessary in the public interest.