HC Deb 15 February 1973 vol 850 cc426-7W
Miss Quennell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what rights of entry are available to officers of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in pursuit of their duties; whether search warrants need be obtained from the police; and if entry to premises can be effected at night, out of ordinary office hours.

Mr. Higgins

Under the Customs and Excise Act 1952 and other statutory provisions officers of Customs and Excise may in defined circumstances enter business premises in pursuance of their duties. In general, however, they may effect entry at night out of business hours only under the authority of a search warrant from a justice of the peace or writ of assistance.