HC Deb 01 April 1977 vol 929 cc278-9W
Mr. Stainton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the immigration officials at the port of Felix-stowe failed to adjust their clocks and watches on the day of introduction of British Summer Time, Sunday 20th March, and so delayed passengers and cars for an extra hour, albeit with an announcement as to the oversight and ensuing slumbers.

Dr. Summerskill

By an unfortunate coincidence one of the immigration officers detailed for duty overslept and the other forgot to take account of the change to British Summer Time. However, two colleagues responded immediately to a call out, and all the 223 passengers from the ship concerned were cleared within 40 minutes of the scheduled time for disembarkation. None of them was delayed for more than 25 minutes. I apologise for any inconvenience caused by this unusual lapse on the part of the Immigration Service at Felixstowe.

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