§ Mr. Peter Reesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions since 1st April 1973 the Commissioners of Customs and Excise have laid information before justices of the peace to enter and search premises; and on how many occasions since 1st April 1973 justices of the peace have authorised persons to enter and search premises under Section 37 of the Finance Act 1972.
§ Dr. GilbertSince 1st April 1973 Customs and Excise have laid 97 informations under Section 37(3) of the Finance Act 1972. A search warrant was issued in each case.
§ Mr. Peter Reesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons have since 1st April 1973 been searched by persons authorised by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise in the exercise of their powers under Section 37 of the Finance Act 1972.
§ Dr. GilbertThe number of persons searched since 1st April 1973 is 21.
§ Mr. Peter Reesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions since 1st April 1973 the Commissioners of Customs and Excise haxe used their powers under Section 36 of the Finance Act 1972 to take samples; and how the samples so taken have been disposed of and accounted for.
§ Dr. GilbertA central record of the aggregate number of samples taken under Section 36 of the Finance Act 1972 is not kept. The number of such samples taken since 1st April 1973 is estimated at about 50. Some of these samples are to be used as exhibits in legal proceedings. In so far as the samples are no longer required Customs and Excise 303W normal practice is to return them to the persons from whom they were taken.