HC Deb 01 December 1955 vol 546 cc2500-1
37. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, whilst preserving necessary security safeguards, he will modify Home Office regulations and the administration of these regulations governing the entry of tourists into this country so as to prevent needless waiting at points of arrival.

Major Lloyd-George

Every effort is made at the ports to pass passengers through the immigration control without unnecessary delay, and I have recently impressed on my officers the importance of reducing the examination of bona fide foreign visitors to the minimum, consistent with the purposes of the control.

Mr. Ridsdale

Would it not help Customs officials if they could make an inspection on cross-Channel ships? Would it not be possible to simplify the car travel documents?

Major Lloyd-George

I think that my hon. Friend referred to cars. An experiment has been conducted this summer on the boat, and the results of that experiment are being examined at present. One of the troubles with this immigration services and others is that there are sometimes physical difficulties which are out of my control.