asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the delays in procuring clearance of goods imported from Hong Kong under open general licence; and if he will speed up these clearances thereby eliminating the stagnation of many thousands of pounds of capital.

I am not aware of any avoidable delay in the clearance of Hong Kong goods attributable to the Customs; but if the hon. Member will let me have sufficient particulars of the date and port. of importation of any consignments so delayed, I will have inquiries made.