§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the practice of checking passports on cross-channel ferries during passage was stopped; what is his estimate of the additional work load this placed on Customs officers at the port of arrival and of the increase in time taken by passengers to clear Customs; and if he will now revert to the previous practice.
§ Mr. SharplesAt the instance of the Dover Harbour Board and the carriers, immigration officers no longer examine car ferry passengers on the crossing. The heavy traffic of this summer's peak period resulted in delay to some passengers, which my right hon. Friend regrets, but he is reviewing the arrangements and believes that the new system should prove more efficient and economical than the old.