HC Deb 24 October 1967 vol 751 cc426-7W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officials are engaged wholly or part-time in opening incoming and outgoing overseas mail; how many letters they open in an average weekly or monthly period; and what sums of money, being illegally imported or exported, have been seized as a result.

Mr. Harold Lever

Attendance of Customs Officers at the opening of mails forms part of their general duties in connection with imports and exports through the post and no separate figure of staff employed on this duty is available. Records are not kept of the numbers of letters opened. The prohibition applies only to currency exported, and in 1966 the total amount seized was £12,730.