§ 108. Mr. John MacLeodasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the unsatisfactory conditions in the advance luggage section of the Customs department at Victoria Station; and if he will take immediate steps to improve the conditions.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI understand that the basement warehouse at Victoria Station was flooded out on 11th July as the result of an exceptionally heavy storm which overloaded the drainage system. 119W This emergency disorganised the sorting of luggage and Customs clearance had to be suspended until the warehouse had been pumped out and cleared up.
The provision of the accommodation, porterage and other facilities necessary for sorting registered luggage and presenting it for Customs clearance is the responsibility of the British Transport Commission, which, I understand, has recently approved plans for structural alterations and improvements to these premises. It is hoped that work will be started by the end of this year.