§ 19. Mr. Armstrongasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the blowing up and burning of Customs stations on the Irish border on Remembrance Day.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Henry Brooke)Early on Sunday, 11th November, six Customs land boundary posts were destroyed as a result of explosion and fire. There was no loss of life or injury. Arrangements have been made for the Customs to operate from temporary accommodation, and investigations by the Royal Ulster Constabulary are continuing into these outrages.
§ Mr. ArmstrongAs it seems unlikely that it will be possible to take effective steps to stop the periodic explosions on the Irish border, can my right hon. Friend say whether it is proposed to rebuild these Customs huts in the cheapest possible material, as they have been built before, and, if so, whether arrangements will be made for important papers to be removed at night?
§ Mr. BrookeI would not like to make any forecast about the steps that we shall take when we have done all we can to clear up what happened on these occasions. I fully appreciate the importance of looking after papers, and that is always done.
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerCan the right hon. Gentleman say why these stations were not guarded?
§ Mr. BrookeThey were unmanned that night—
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerWhy?
§ Mr. Brooke—because it would be most helpful to smugglers if they knew that Customs officers throughout the night always sat in the same place.
§ Mr. McKibbinDoes my right hon. Friend not consider that it speaks well for the loyal people of Ulster, who are so anxious to remain in friendship with their neighbours in Eire, that throughout these raids they have remained so restrained? Does not he also consider that, inasmuch as Her Majesty's Government are going to take any action, it should not be restricted to representations?
§ Mr. BrookeThe implication of the latter part of that supplementary question goes far beyond my responsibilities. I am anxious for restraint in all directions.