§ 51. Mr. Turtonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is satisfied with the present system of customs inspection at airports; and, in particular, whether a customs inspection was carried out on Mr. Refitt's baggage on his recent return from France.
§ Sir J. AndersonThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative, having regard to the existing conditions. The answer to the second part is that the 27 Customs have normally no reason for asking the identity of passengers; and, therefore, have no record to show whether Mr. Refitt's baggage was examined or not.
§ Mr. TurtonIs it the position that a hitch-hiker can escape any Customs examination, owing to the existing conditions? If so, will the right hon. Gentleman alter that arrangement?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe existing conditions undoubtedly present some practical difficulties; but we are doing our best to ensure that there is no evasion.