§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which customs surveillance was withdrawn from a Pakistani ship anchored in the Tyne in November which had previously been the subject of investigations into drug smuggling.
§ Mr. BrookeI presume the vessel to which the hon. Member refers is the MV Tarbella which was berthed on the Tyne throughout the month of November. During the period of its stay the Tarbella was subjected to the degree of customs control consistent with perceived risk factors. In the interests of maintaining effective controls, it is not the policy of customs to disclose specific details of their operations.
§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if sufficient resources are available for full customs surveillance of all ships entering ports in the north-east of England.
§ Mr. BrookeCustoms apply selective controls to all arriving goods, passengers and ships and no attempt is made to maintain full surveillance of all ships entering ports in the United Kingdom. In the north-east of England the number of ships arriving has decreased and the level of surveillance is well above the national average.