HC Deb 15 February 1898 vol 53 cc633-4
MR. LAMBERT (Devon, South Molton)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will be good enough to state in how many instances the Commissioners of Customs have put into operation the provisions of the Foreign Prison-made Goods Act; and, if any, the quantity and estimated value of the goods that were proved to have been produced in foreign prisons?

MR. HANBURY

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend to answer this Question. Until recently no application had been made to the Commissioners of Customs to detain goods under the Foreign Prison-made Goods Act of last year. Within the last few weeks however, evidence has been tendered to the Commissioners with regard to certain importations of mats from Belgium, and on this evidence they have seized five consignments of the declared value of about £135.

MR. LAMBERT

Were the goods seized proved to have been made in foreign prisons?

MR. HANBURY

I think that was so, but I will make further inquires.

MR. LAMBERT

I will repeat the question.