HC Deb 23 April 1964 vol 693 c198W
49. Commander Kerans

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development why British subjects were interrogated by a female of his department after the arrival of Flight 530 Qantas on the afternoon of 14th April from New York; if he will give the reasons for and aim of the questions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. D. Price

On behalf of the Board of Trade, interviewers question a small sample of all passengers entering or leaving the United Kingdom in order to obtain information about the contribution of "Tourism" (including business travel) to cur international balance of payments. The survey provides information also about international migration. No satisfactory alternative means are available for securing this valuable information.