HC Deb 11 September 1941 vol 374 cc290-1
39. Mr. Keeling

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, as lately as 18th August, the Ulster Customs House between Londonderry and Donegal was shut at 6 p.m., after which hour motorcars from Eire passed without challenge; and what action he has taken in the matter?

Mr. H. Morrison

The Customs authorities have, I understand, an arrangement by which motor-cars which are not carry- ing merchandise and are not themselves being imported or exported as merchandise are allowed to cross the border at times when the Customs house is closed, provided they carry a pass designed to safeguard revenue interests; but vehicles crossing the border at any time are liable to challenge by special patrols, and the fact that it has not been found necessary for Customs purposes to have Customs officers on duty after certain hours does not mean that the question of security arrangements after those hours has been overlooked.

Mr. Keeling

Does my right hon. Friend mean that smugglers shut down their business at 6 p.m. like the Customs house?

Mr. Morrison

No, Sir; that is why we keep observation.

43. Dr. Little

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, on the border between Northern Ireland and Eire, illicit traffic and the transmission of information useful to the enemy seem to increase, despite all efforts to bring them to an end; and whether he will adopt more drastic methods for dealing with this menace to the success of our war effort?

Mr. Morrison

There is nothing which I can usefully add to the reply I gave on 31st July to Questions on this subject.

Dr. Little

Is my right hon. Friend not satisfied that far stronger measures are required to deal with this danger, not only to Britain but to the Empire, to our success in the war and our security?

Mr. Morrison

If my hon. Friend has concrete evidence which supports the very general allegations made in his Question I think it is his duty to let me have it privately, but if he has not that evidence he ought not needlessly to spread alarm and despondency.

Dr. Little

My right hon. Friend can obtain full information of what is transpiring on the Border through the Press; he does not need to appeal to me for it.