§ 8. Mr. Peytonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to enable the Board of Customs to be amalgamated with or taken over by the Board of Inland Revenue.
§ Mr. MacDermotNo, Sir.
§ Mr. PeytonIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that if this suggestion were adopted the Commissioners of Customs and Excise might contract the desirable habit of repaying money to which they have no entitlement? Will not he examine Customs procedures, especially with regard to bonding and returnables, because their inflexibility tends to produce both inefficiency in trade and injustice?
§ Mr. MacDermotIf the hon. Member has anything to support his wild allegation I will consider it. The case that he has in mind—which I know he has been discussing with the Chief Secretary—is not one in respect of which I accept his point of view.
§ Mr. PeytonIn view of the most unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.