§ Mr. Woolmerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give details of investigations into illegal trade practices, involving false declaration of product particulars including country of origin, among textiles and clothing goods, which have been undertaken by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise since 1 January 1973; and if he will make a statement regarding the Government's policy on enforcement of import regulations by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.
§ Mr. Peter Rees[pursuant to his reply, 14 May 1980]: In serious cases involving false declaration it is the normal policy of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise to seize the goods and in most cases where textiles are involved to prosecute if there is sufficient evidence. It is not possible to give details of the 656W many investigations into illegal trade practices.