§ 85. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD - BURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that passengers and their luggage are searched at Holyhead when crossing over to Ireland and that on arrival at Kingstown the passengers are again searched; which Government pays for the extra Customs officials at Holyhead; and will he put an end to this search at 2 a.m.?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe luggage of passenger crossing to Ireland is searched at Holyhead, and I understand that they 242 are liable to a further search on arrival at Kingstown. The Customs officials who conduct the search at Holyhead are paid by His Majesty's Government; but it has not been found necessary to appoint additional staff for this purpose. In reply to the last part of the question, His Majesty's Government do not see their way at present to relaxing this useful and necessary measure of control over the removal of firearms and ammunition from this country to Ireland.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs it not unnecessary to have two searches, one at Holyhead and one at Kingstown, and is the hon. Member not aware that this double search is very inconvenient at 2 a.m.?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI know it is very inconvenient, but so long as conditions are what they are in Southern Ireland, His Majesty's Government feel they can take no risk in allowing possible further revolvers and bombs to go into the country, if they can possibly avoid it.