§ 55. Mr. Keenanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the Customs and Excise Department had millions of matches destroyed in the incinerator of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board at Dukes Docks, Liverpool, on 30th and 31st May and 1st June last.
§ Mr. DaltonI am told that these matches- were destroyed, not by the Customs but by the salvage authorities, because they had been so damaged by sea water as to be useless.
§ Mr. KeenanIs the Chancellor aware that this is one of the boxes, which was given to me by one of the workmen, who were very much disturbed at the number destroyed? I am assured that over half of them were all right. Will my right hon. Friend make further investigations with a view to avoiding this kind of action in future? I will give him the box of matches if he will go into the matter.
§ Mr. DaltonI intended to ask my hon. Friend to give me the box of matches. I am rather short.