HC Deb 06 February 1945 vol 407 cc1889-90
51. Mr. Bowles

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, where a naval rating offends against the Customs Duty on imports on, for instance, stockings, which he was bringing home as a present for his near relatives, and he is punished by his commanding officer by losing his leave, he is also obliged to have the stockings confiscated.

Sir J. Anderson

Smuggling by naval ratings constitutes a breach of naval discipline and naval ratings caught smuggling are reported forthwith to the naval authorities for disciplinary action. Goods forming the subject of attempts at smuggling are confiscated by the Customs, whether the offender is a naval rating or any other person.

Mr. Bowles

Here is a naval rating who, over two and a half years, has managed to save £8 with which to buy some stockings for his mother and sister. He is punished by the Department which the right hon. Gentleman represents. Does the right hon. Gentleman, who is a Member of the War Cabinet, and to whom this Question has been transferred, think this rating should also be punished by the loss of leave which he had earned?

Sir J. Anderson

That is obviously not a matter for me. I am concerned with the Customs law. The answer is that where an attempt is made to smuggle goods those goods are confiscated. I see no escape from that.

Mr. Bowles

No one would disagree with that reply, but the Question was put down to the First Lord of the Admiralty. It was transferred to my right hon. Friend, presumably because it was a matter for the War Cabinet.

Sir J. Anderson

As the hon. Member should know, Questions are put to the Minister who has special responsibility. This Question was transferred to me because the central point appeared to be the confiscation, which is a Customs matter.

Mr. Bowles

If I now put down a Question to the First Lord on the question of leave, will the right hon. Gentleman refuse to answer?