§ MR. WOODALL (Hanley)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, If he is aware of the serious delay, confusion, and inconvenience caused by the present system of Customs examination at Liverpool and other English ports on the arrival of passengers by the great ocean steamers; whether it is true that at one time the necessary examinations were made in certain cases on board the vessels before passengers were allowed to land; and, whether, in the case of Transatlantic steamers calling at Queenstown whose owners are willing to provide proper facilities, he will consider the expediency of putting Customs' officers on board at that port, so as to ensure that baggage may be deliberately and effectively examined during what remains of the voyage, with the minimum of inconvenience, and with the advantage of avoiding detention on arrival in the Mersey?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)This Question has received the careful consideration of the Commissioners of Customs. Examinations were made on board before the baggage room on the landing stage was provided. The possibility of examining baggage en route between Queenstown and Liverpool has been frequently considered; but it was found that the proposal would involve considerable expense and be of doubtful convenience, and it has, therefore, been set aside as not practicable.