§ Mr. MELLERasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that under the present Regulations sample packets of dutiable chemicals coming by post into this country, addressed to chemical merchants, are held up by the Customs authorities; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to traders and the small amount of duty involved, he will give instructions that such packets should be admitted without charge?
§ Mr. McNEILLThere is a general prohibition against the importation of dutiable articles by the letter and sample posts, such goods thus imported being liable to forfeiture.Bona fide trade samples of dutiable chemicals are, however, in practice admitted on payment of duty and a fine. I regret that it is not practicable to waive the prohibition in favour of chemicals and admit them free of any charge. I may add that there is no objection to the importation of dutiable chemicals by the parcel post, provided that the contents of the parcel are duly declared by the senders; and chemicals so imported are delivered on payment of duty.