HC Deb 17 September 2003 vol 410 c862W
Mr. Greg Knight

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to reduce delays caused to bona fide travellers at customs entry points in the United Kingdom. [129605]

John Healey

The great majority of people entering the UK at ports and airports are not physically stopped by Customs. Customs use intelligence information and risk-profiling techniques to try to ensure that their checks inconvenience as few legitimate travellers as possible.

When Customs do undertake physical checks, their aim is always to take no longer than necessary to fulfil their anti-smuggling responsibilities.