§ Major Lyonsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the authority under which searches are made of passengers' luggage in the train or at stations, or otherwise, to ascertain whether flowers are being carried by train in contravention of S.R. & O., No. 232, of 1943; and the number of such searches made since the date of that Order?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerPowers of search under certain conditions are given by Regulation 88A of the Defence Regulations and power 561W to arrest without warrant on reasonable suspicion by Regulation 88c. So far, when police officers have had grounds for suspicion, they have so informed the passengers and invited them to open their luggage, and in all cases the passengers have agreed to an inspection. Flowers have been carried by train in contravention of the Order, and certain prosecutions have taken place, and convictions have been obtained. Other cases are pending. Since the date of the Order 47 containers have been opened.