§ 25. Mr. Hydeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will arrange for the baggage of passengers travelling to and arriving from abroad to be examined by Customs officers on international boat trains while the trains are in transit between London and the ports of departure and arrival.
§ Mr. H. BrookeSuggestions on these lines have previously been examined by the Customs and railway authorities and others concerned with passenger traffic. But the conclusion which has on each occasion been reached is that, in the circumstances existing in this country, it would not be consistent with the convenience of passengers, with economy in staff, or with effective Customs control.
§ Mr. HydeIs my right hon. Friend aware that this practice works very well on the Continent, and on the trains between Belfast and Dublin? In view of the undoubted convenience to passengers which would result, will he not reconsider this matter?
§ Mr. BrookeI can assure my hon. Friend that it has been most carefully considered. The train journey between the Channel ports and London is certainly shorter than the corresponding journeys on the other side of the Channel, and also the trains tend to be crowded.