§ 77. Viscount Hinchingbrookeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the report submitted to him as the result of visits paid by the Joint Under-Secretary of State to Harwich and other ports in September; and what action is being taken to improve immigration arrangements at these ports.
§ 84. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the result of his discussions with the British Transport Commission regarding immigration facilities for tourists at Harwich, 56W Parkeston Quay; and what further proposals he has for improving these facilities in view of the growing importance of this port to the tourist industry.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI am satisfied that the immigration officers of the Home Office, at all the sea ports and air ports at which they are stationed, discharge their difficult and responsible duties with all possible speed, efficiency and courtesy. The facilities available to them are better at some ports than others, and in particular, it has always been recognised that the port of Harwich lacks the basic facilities that would enable very large numbers of passengers to be passed rapidly and comfortably through the control, especially at peak periods of traffic. In the light of this year's experience of the heavy traffic at Harwich, discussions have been proceeding between my Department, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, and the British Transport Commission, and it is hoped that it will be possible to make some minor improvements before next season.