§ 35. Mr. LEVYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of fines collected by the customs authorities in compromised cases of evasion of import duties for the past 12 months; and whether he is prepared in future to arrange for the publication of details of such cases with a view to diminishing the number of instances in which the payment of customs duty is evaded?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe total amount of compromise fines collected in the year ended 31st October, 1933, in tespect of offences of all kinds against the customs laws relating to imported goods was approximately £109,000. I fear that I cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion as to publication; the great majority of these cases are of a petty nature and I doubt whether the object he has in mind would be served thereby. In serious cases the normal rule is to take proceedings in the courts.
§ Mr. L. SMITHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a change over of the duties from ad valorem duties to specific duties will assist the Exchequer very much in regard to these evasions in many instances?