HC Deb 04 July 1951 vol 489 c2308
34. Mr. J. Grimston

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what arrangements he has made with the Commissioners of Customs and Excise for the transfer of Customs officers from London Airport or Northolt, respectively, to diversion airfields whenever a large number of passengers are expected due to the main airports being closed on account of bad weather.

Mr. Beswick

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 3rd July to the hon. and gallant Member for Ilford, South (Squadron Leader A. E. Cooper) by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

Mr. Grimston

Will the hon. Gentleman try to see whether delays such as occur in places like this cannot be overcome by moving the Customs officers more freely?

Mr. Beswick

Responsibility for moving the Customs offices is, of course, that of the Treasury, but if the hon. Gentleman has any particular ground for complaint and will give me the details of it I will have it looked into.

Mr. G. Ward

Is not the real answer to take the advice of the Opposition and instal F.I.D.O. at Heathrow?