Major BARNESasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that difficulties have arisen in importing small articles affected by the Safeguarding of Industries Act by registered post and that the Customs are either confiscating the goods or demanding a fine, as this means of delivery is against their Regulations: and is it possible for his Department, in order to facilitate trade, to arrange with the Board of Customs some method by which traders can continue their business in ordinary ways, or, if not, can his Department take some action to make it known that the importation of goods through registered post can no longer be allowed for dutiable articles?
Mr. YOUNGUnder the Regulations of the Postal Union, articles liable to Customs Duty may be sent only by the parcel or the insured box post, any such articles sent by letter post, whether registered or unregistered, being liable to forfeiture. This information has been regularly published in the Post Office Guide for many years past. It is the usual practice to allow delivery on payment of a fine in cases of a first breach of the Regulations and to enforce forfeiture in any subsequent case.