§ Laura MoffattTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made since the new arrangements have been in place to intercept illegal importation of meats at ports. [125624]
§ John HealeySince Customs took over responsibility for tackling illegal inputs of meat products from third countries from April 11, they have undertaken a number of initiatives designed to help them tackle this problem more effectively. These include: a recruitment drive for new anti-smuggling teams and dog handlers; re-deploying existing anti-smuggling staff to target these illegal importations; transferring "meat" dogs and their handlers from Defra to Customs; instituting a programme of awareness meetings with senior Government officials from targeted risk countries, undertaking a series of training seminars for Customs staff and developing new publicity posters and leaflets for ports and airports in the UK.