§ 32. Mr. Doddsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to ensure that greater efficiency and understanding are shown at Dover in the reception and clearance of United Kingdom citizens returning from holidays abroad, particularly during the peak periods.
§ Mr. SimonThe Dover Harbour Board, British Railways, the Home Office and the Customs all work together closely in the reception and clearance of passengers at Dover. While concentration of arrivals at peak periods very occasionally causes some unavoidable delay, the existing Customs arrangements seem to give general satisfaction; but my right hon. Friend will arrange for them to be reviewed in the light of any evidence to the contrary which the hon. Member provides to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade as the result of his reply to the hon. Member's Question last Thursday.
§ Mr. DoddsIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that I need not waste time in giving that evidence, for it is already with his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade? Will he converse with the President of the Board of Trade and attempt, with the various interests, to get some greater efficiency at the ports than we had last year, not only for our own people but for visitors coming from abroad? Will he attempt also to get the Belgian marine authorities to co-operate in achieving greater efficiency?
§ Mr. SimonYes, Sir. I will certainly examine the evidence which the hon. Gentleman seems now to have furnished to my right hon. Friend. Arrangements have already been made with the Belgian marine authorities to bring about the effect the hon. Gentleman wishes to see.