HC Deb 14 November 1949 vol 469 cc1668-9
28. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Food why passengers crossing the Irish Sea from the Republic of Ireland are only allowed to bring in to Great Britain 7 lb. of food, while passengers crossing the Straits of Dover from the French Republic are allowed to bring in 50 lb.

Mr. Strachey

The lower limit was retained in the case of the Republic of Ireland, because there is also a land frontier to consider, and because the Government of the Irish Republic said they would prefer us to do so.

Mr. Keeling

Why should the British Customs stop what the Irish Customs have let out, not enforcing their own rules? What duty do we owe to the Irish Customs? What British interests are served by the restriction?

Mr. Strachey

There is the interest of Northern Ireland to consider in the matter.

Mr. Keeling

Well, make a separate rule for Great Britain.