HC Deb 23 January 1951 vol 483 cc34-5
74. Mr. Deedes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to improve customs arrangements at the continental ports during Festival of Britain year he will arrange, as an experiment, for all baggage except registered baggage to be checked on the trains between the port and London.

Mr. Gaitskell

This idea has been fully examined quite recently by the Customs and railway authorities and others concerned with the passenger traffic. There is general agreement that in the particular circumstances it would serve neither the convenience of passengers nor the need for effective and economical control.

Mr. Charles Ian Orr-Ewing

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why this could not satisfy the needs of travellers? Could we have some reason?

Mr. Gaitskell

It would not enable the train to get away any faster. The House will probably agree that it is not necessarily for the convenience of passengers that their baggage should be investigated in the middle of a train journey.

Mr. Deedes

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this is done on the Continent and that most passengers find it most convenient?

Mr. Gaitskell

It is done when passengers do not have to get out of the train but when people arrive in this country they have to get out of a boat and into a train.