HC Deb 12 November 1947 vol 444 cc357-8
4. Mr. Cooper

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what is the average time taken, from the time of arrival on an aircraft carrying 30 passengers to the time of departure of the passengers from the airport, to pass through the customs and other port formalities at Heathrow; and what steps are being taken to improve the efficiency of the procedure so as to bring up the standard to that which at one time obtained at Croydon Airport and measure up more favourably with the rapid facilities now provided at many European airports.

Mr. Lindgren

The average time taken at London Airport is 26 minutes, which compares favourably with that at European airports. This time for clearance should be further reduced as soon as an additional building can be constructed and brought into use.

Mr. Cooper

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that, sometimes, up to an hour's delay is occasioned through passengers going through Customs and other formalities at airports, and does he not consider that it is wise to speed up the process immediately, if that is at all possible?

Mr. Lindgren

Where there is delay, such as has been indicated by my hon. Friend, it is due to passengers being detained for further questioning and inquiry by the Customs, health or currency authorities. I am certain that it is not his desire that Customs, health or immigration officials should be slack in their duties.

Mr. John Lewis

Is my hon. Friend aware that the answer which he has given to the supplementary question is not, in fact, substantiated by the recent experience of many hon. Members, who have suffered delay; and could he arrange for those people responsible for the efficient administration at Northolt to go over to Heathrow and show them how to do their job?

Mr. Lindgren

I think the latter part of that question is unworthy of my hon. Friend. In fact, the manner in which duties are carried out at both stations is to the best ability of the officials concerned.