§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Defence what checks and searches are made on men and officers on boarding and disembarking Royal Navy vessels, in particular for drugs.
§ Mr. FreemanAs part of normal disciplinary procedures, men returning on board ships may be searched by the gangway staff. Random, occasional checks of baggage were carried out by ship's regulating staff to ensure that dutiable or prohibited goods are not landed. When HM ships return from abroad the normal customs procedures apply. Where there is any suspicion that drugs may be involved the RN special investigation squad undertakes a search.