§ Mr. RandallTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what steps were taken to ensure Steven Watson would have immunity from prosecution in the event of his arrest by police while carrying out his anti-crime work at Heathrow airport as described in the "Dispatches" programme on Channel 4;
(2) at what rank in the Customs and Excise office the initiative reported in the Channel 4 "Dispatches" programme to break the rip-off gangs at Heathrow airport was approved.
(3) if he approved the change of policy of the Customs and Excise Office in combating crime at Heathrow airport by employing the techniques used by Steven Watson as described in the "Dispatches" programme.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardHer Majesty's Customs and Excise use all available resources and techniques to combat drug smuggling, including from time to time undercover operations. Customs staff engaged on undercover work are not authorised to undertake criminal activities, and the issue of immunity from prosecution does not therefore arise. The operation to which the hon. Member refers was authorised by the chairman of the Board of Customs and Excise.