§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEY (Somersetshire, E.)To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Chairman of the Board of Customs is prohibited by statute from giving the names and addresses of persons importing milk from abroad; and whether, if it is desired that the names of such persons should be made public, legislation would be required; and, if so, if the Government will introduce a Bill for such purpose.
(Answered by Mr. Elliot.) The Board of Customs are not prohibited by statute from giving the names and addresses of the importers of milk. The names of such importers are in fact published in the periodical Customs Bill of Entry for certain ports, which are available to subscribers. It is, however, the duty of the Board of Customs to exercise discretion as to the supply of information to persons making inquiry about the business of others.