HL Deb 10 February 1981 vol 417 c197WA
The Marquess of Ailesbury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What limitations are applied to the right of HM Customs and Excise to take away property from private individuals after it has been brought into the United Kingdom.

Lord Cockfield

The circumstances in which imported goods may be seized are prescribed by statute, as is the obligation on the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to institute civil proceedings if a claim against forfeiture is made.