Customs Seizures (Sale Proceeds)

Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 15 June 1948.

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Photo of Sir John Crowder Sir John Crowder , Finchley 12:00, 15 June 1948

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what are the total proceeds of sales by auction of goods seized by the Customs for the six months to the latest available date, giving the figures for articles of clothing and jewellery separately.

Photo of Mr William Hall Mr William Hall , Colne Valley

Such goods are now sold by tender. Sales in the six months ended 31st March, 1948, fetched £72,240. This sum includes £28,123 for jewellery, including watches, and £5,268 for clothing and other textile goods.

Photo of Sir John Crowder Sir John Crowder , Finchley

As regards clothing, could the Financial Secretary say whether the buyers have to surrender coupons?

Photo of Mr William Hall Mr William Hall , Colne Valley

Normally, I gather, they are tendered for by wholesalers, but of course the eventual purchaser would have to hand in coupons for what he buys.

Photo of Mr Thomas Scollan Mr Thomas Scollan , Renfrewshire Western

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell us what proportion of that came out of Germany?

Photo of Mr William Hall Mr William Hall , Colne Valley

I am sorry, but I cannot do so without notice.

Photo of Mr Maurice Orbach Mr Maurice Orbach , Willesden East

Can my right hon. Friend say whether "clothing" includes coats made of fur?

Photo of Mr William Hall Mr William Hall , Colne Valley

No, Sir, I could not say.