§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many drug dogs and handlers are employed by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise; what is the extent of their training; and what is the annual cost of maintaining this part of the service.
§ Mr. HayhoeTwenty-nine drug dog teams are currently employed. In addition to their normal training as customs officers, drug dog handlers attend a 15-week course at the RAF police school, Newton, which is designed to train them to use dogs to find prohibited drugs. The cost for the year ending 31 March 1984 was about £450,000 including capital and training costs.