§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Customs and Excise flexible action teams have been set up at(a) seaports and (b) airports within the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardFlexible anti-smuggling teams are being set up as part of Customs' new anti-smuggling strategy resulting from a review completed in 1990. At present there are 95 teams of which 68 are currently based at seaports and working mainly on maritime activity, 19 are at airports, seven have a mixed responsibility and one covers land boundary work in Northern Ireland.
The use of better equipped and supported flexible teams will enable Customs to respond more effectively to areas of greatest risk in the fight against the importation of dangerous drugs and other threats to society.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the results of his nationwide study of the Customs service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardIn the last two years there have been several studies of the customs service, looking at anti-smuggling controls, freight processing and the handling of inland customs work.
Customs are undergoing a period of considerable change with the introduction of 30 executive units on 1 April 1991 under the next steps initiative and in their preparation for the single market. The purpose of the reviews in the customs area has been to update anti-smuggling and freight control systems to meet the challenges of the single market and the developing needs of business.