§ 44. Mr. RAMSDENasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the value of silk goods seized for duty evasion during the year 1926; how these goods are sold; how long they are kept before being disposed of; and the net value obtained for them?
§ Mr. McNEILLGoods seized for contravention of the Customs Acts are sold either by public auction or by competitive tenders from traders. Sales may he made after a statutory period of one month from the date of seizure, but in practice sales are held only after a 285 reasonable quantity of seized goods has accumulated. Particulars as to the value of silk goods seized during 1926, and as to the proceeds of the sales of such goods, are not at present available, but are being obtained, and I will communicate them to my hon. Friend in due course.