§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir W. Bromley-Davenportasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many prosecutions have been instituted during the current year 11W by the Customs and Excise Department for the illegal importation into this country of lighters from Eire; whether he is aware that the number of Japanese lighters imported into Eire during the first six months of 1960 amounted to 689,988; and whether he is taking any special steps to ensure that the restrictions imposed by the United Kingdom on the importation of lighters from Japan is not being evaded by the routeing of such lighters through Eire.
§ Mr. BarberThere have been no prosecutions for licensing irregularities. The figure quoted in the second part of the Question is approximately correct; it includes sets of parts imported for assembly into complete lighters in the Irish Republic. As to the last part of the Question, all lighters imported into the United Kingdom are subject to Customs control for both revenue and import licensing purposes. If my hon. Friend has any evidence of illegal importations I should be grateful if he would let me have the details for investigation.