HL Deb 22 May 1985 vol 464 c395WA
The Earl of Munster

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What provisions for compensation exist in respect of damage done to a vehicle in the course of Customs and Excise examination and, if there are none, why not.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Arts (The Earl of Gowrie)

There are no specific provisions, but HM Customs and Excise would meet a reasonable claim for compensation for any damage which occurred. There is also nothing to debar an aggrieved person from pursuing a claim for compensation under common law.