HC Deb 26 June 1928 vol 219 cc228-9
44. Mr. DAY

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will publish the conditions under which Customs officers are empowered to authorise and pass, free of duty, limited quantities of dutiable articles brought by passengers arriving in this country from abroad, which articles are intended for the passengers' personal use?

Mr. SAMUEL

The chief conditions under which Customs officers may pass free of duty limited quantities of dutiable articles brought by passengers arriving from abroad are that such articles must be for the personal use of the passenger, and must be duly declared and produced. Information to this effect is included in the notice to passengers on the subject issued by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise.

Mr. DAY

Will the hon. Gentleman have that notice published at the ports where passengers arrive, so that they may understand exactly what they can bring in?

Mr. SAMUEL

Lately that practice has been followed, and notices are exhibited in public places on most of the Channel boats.

Mr. CRAWFURD

In the case of articles which are allowed free entry by the Customs officials, is it clear that at no future date can the entry of these articles be made the subject of a penalty?

Mr. SAMUEL

If the articles come within the exemption regulations, of course they cannot be made the subject of a penalty.

Mr. CRAWFURD

The question on the Paper relates to articles which normally come within the quantities allowed free entry, and my supplementary question is as to whether, in the case of an article which at that time or subsequently is declared dutiable, if free entry is allowed by the Customs authorities, it is clear that on no consideration can a penalty be imposed in reference to those particular articles?

Mr. SAMUEL

If the hon. Member will look at the supplementary question, he will see that it contains a number of hypotheses. I have given an answer to the direct question on the Paper, and, if the hon. Member will look at that answer, he may find that it covers some of the points that he has raised in a hypothetical form.