§ Mr. GILBERTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the delay to merchants and the trade in securing both wines and spirits from the London and other docks; whether this delay is largely caused by the shortage of Customs officials who test these articles for strength and quantities; and whether he can increase the number of these officials so as to enable the necessary duties to be paid more quickly and the goods released for their respective markets?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI cannot find that any delay, which now occurs in the delivery of wines and spirits from the docks, is due to any shortage of Customs officers. In view of the present congestion. Departmental requirements have, in fact, been specially relaxed to enable a more rapid clearance of dutiable goods to be effected, and, speaking generally, Customs officers are able to deal with such goods quite as quickly as they can be presented for examination. Additional officers will readily be provided at any dock where it can be shown that the need exists.