§ 63. Mr. BATEYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the Commissioners of Customs and Excise withdrew the summonses down for hearing at the Mansion House, on 6th November, 1931, against four ladies charged on 38 counts of defrauding the customs; and what reparations, if any, were made by them?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINSection 35 of the Inland Revenue Regulation Act, 1890, specifically enables the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to stay proceedings at their discretion, a power which is exercised in suitable cases. In the case referred to this power was used on consideration of all the circumstances of the case, the claims of the Commissioners having been fully satisfied.