§ 47. Mr. Snowasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to intensify Her Majesty's Customs' investigation of the smuggling of watches from Switzerland, in view of the fact that the present ex-works value of watches being smuggled into the United Kingdom amounts to over £5 million with a consequential loss of duty and purchase tax amounting to £3,750,000; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BarberI do not accept the figures mentioned in the Question, but I agree that the smuggling of watches presents a serious problem. The Customs74W are making every effort, with their available staff, both to detect it and to prevent it.