HC Deb 22 March 1960 vol 620 c205
5. Mr. Kershaw

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officers of the Customs and Exoise are stationed at military bases to which access by the public is restricted; what are their duties; whether he is satisfied with the facilities made available to them to perform their duties; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Amory

Thirty-seven; they are employed on anti-smuggling duties or in clearing cargoes; the facilities are satisfactory and I have nothing further to add.

Mr. Kershaw

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in spite of that reply, there is widespread public anxiety in the areas in which various military bases are located that planes arrive in this country and are not inspected by Customs officers until very long after their arrival, and that this fact is connected in the public's mind with the spread of certain dog diseases and fowl pest in the areas of these bases? Will he look into the matter?

Mr. Amory

I shall be very glad indeed to look into any specific points which my hon. Friend writes to me about, because the last two points he mentioned are serious matters. I shall be very glad to look into any allegations on which he can produce evidence.