§ 55. Mr. BROCKLEBANK (for Captain T. J. O'CONNOR)asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a British artist, resident in Venice, arriving at Victoria Station on 15th February with a small portmanteau containing a number of water-colour pictures painted by himself, was there and then fined by the Customs the sum of£6 for having brought these pictures by passenger train on the ground that they were imported merchandise; and whether, in view of the alarm felt by British artists residing abroad lest their pictures should be similarly treated in the future, he will issue instructions that the fine imposed in this case shall be refunded 1031 and that no such fine shall be imposed in future?
§ Mr. McNEILLI am aware of the circumstances of the case to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. As the pictures in question were imported merchandise, a Customs entry before landing should have been made, the legal penalty for non-compliance being forfeiture. As an alternative a fine was imposed, which in the special circumstances of this particular case has now been remitted. I cannot, however, give any undertaking in regard to future cases of the same kind.