§ Jane GriffithsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of lorries and containers were randomly searched by Customs for contraband such as beer in 2001; and what assessment he has made of the outcome of those searches. [50044]
§ Mr. BoatengCustoms selections of freight for examination are made on the basis of intelligence—using either regularly updated profiles or specific (target-related) information. Where a freight scanner is based at the port concerned, consignments are scanned before a physical examination is considered.
Customs do not make random selections of freight for scanning or physical examination.