asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware that a package of films, dealing with the tenth anniversary of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics of Russia, consigned from Russia to Mr. James Larkin, Dublin, was seized in transit at Harwich, examined and detained by British Customs Authorities, and, if so, whether he will make representations to the British Government in the matter.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ALLEGED SEIZURE OF FILMS.
I am aware that a package of films imported with Mr. Larkin's luggage was detained at Harwich on the instructions of the British Home Secretary, and has been released for delivery. I do not propose to make representations to the British Government.
Does the Minister consider this action compatible with the powers of the Saorstát as regards Customs facilities?
Quite. If the transit were the other way and if our police had the same suspicion that was apparently entertained on the other side with regard to the luggage, our police would open the luggage even though it was British packages sent to Russia or Russian packages sent to Britain.
Will the Minister say to which James Larkin were the films consigned?