§ 46. Mr. WHITEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the inconvenience and expense caused to importers arising from delays due to the present working arrangements of customs officials at docks and bonded 1598 warehouses; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware that representations have been made with reference to the hours during which free attendance is given by Customs officers for the examination and clearance of imported goods. Customs officers attend free of charge to the merchant for the examination of dutiable goods between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., as may best suit local conditions, and longer, if desired, on payment of a fee by the trader. Little advantage is now taken of the latter provision. Customs officers also give free attendance for the examination of goods not liable to duty between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. This latter service covers the large range of Empire goods which are exempt from duty under the Preference arrangements. After very careful consideration of all the relevant facts, I am satisfied that there are not sufficient grounds to justify any alteration of the hours during which free attendance is given.