§ Mr. CROOKSasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that 1302W seamen and officers disembarking from a-foreign port have to give up to the Customs officers any gold in their possession, and sometimes have to wait two days before they get notes in exchange; that if they have brought any sugar with them they have to give it up; and whether, in the one case, he will give instructions that the men shall receive their notes at once and, in the other, that they shall not be discouraged from bringing sugar, but shall be allowed to take it home provided the duty is paid?
§ Mr. BALDWINAs explained, in reply to a question on the 13th June by the hon. Member for the Tamworth Division of Warwickshire, the conditions obtaining at the Customs examination of passengers and their baggage, etc., do not admit of notes being given on the spot in exchange for gold coin surrendered by passengers. As regards sugar, the Board of Customs and Excise inform me that the action taken by their officers is in accordance with the wishes of the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply; and I see no reason to interfere. The right hon. Member is no doubt aware that sugar may not be imported into the United Kingdom without a licence.