§ MR. LYALLsaid, he wished to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, Why the Custom House authorities charge the merchants for the attendance of their officers on goods in transit after their arrival within the docks, as, in that case, the officer is immediately removed from the ship or lighter, but this charge continues to be made though no officer is employed?
MR. PEELsaid, in reply, that the privilege of removing goods in transit without examination was given on condition that the merchant should defray all the expenses incurred by the Crown in consequence. Goods within the docks still required watching, the only difference being that the officer who watched them was on land instead of being on board the lighter.