§ 68. Colonel DAYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the inconvenience occasioned to Continental travellers arriving at Victoria station owing to the lack of facilities for Customs inspection of luggage; and can he cause increased facilities to be afforded, with a view to overcoming the existing delays?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELI have been asked to reply. I am aware that travellers are obliged to wait for a certain time before they are able to take away their luggage; but the hon. Member will realise that some time must be occupied in unloading and sorting out the baggage according to registered numbers. These arrangements and the provision of accommodation for Customs examination at Victoria Station, are matters for the railway company, with whom, however, the Customs authorities are in close and constant touch with a view to preventing avoidable delay.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the baggage arrives in advance of the passenger, it is put into a small room and it takes sometimes an hour or two hours to sort it out?
§ Mr. SAMUELI am not aware of that, but I will make inquiries, and if that is so, I will see if something can be done.
Captain ARTHUR EVANSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is only passed into the room in the event of it not being claimed the evening of the arrival of the train? If it is claimed on that evening, it can be got in half an hour.
§ Mr. SAMUELThat was my impression. Sometimes a thousand pieces come in, and whether there is a Customs examination or not it takes time to get them sorted out.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that sometimes registered baggage leaves the passenger on the way over here, though it is loaded on the train, and by the time he arrives it is stored away in the room.
§ Mr. SAMUELThat shows that it is unwise to part from your baggage.
§ Colonel DAYHow is it possible for a person who registers his baggage in Switzerland, to stay with it throughout the whole journey?
§ Mr. SAMUELHe should travel by the same train.