§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures are taken by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise to encourage and, where necessary, compensate members of the public who assist in the detection and capture of drug smugglers.
§ Sir John CopeCustoms encourages the public to assist if in its efforts against drug smuggling through publicity 380W campaigns such as that associated with the relaunch of their drugs hotline. Although inducements are not offered to the public, there is the facility to pay monetary, rewards for such assistance and it has been policy when appropriate to do so. When such public spiritedness has led to the success of a case at considerable commercial or financial disadvantage to the person or company responsible for the assistance, Customs seeks to ensure that no financial disadvantage is suffered and that there is suitable recompense or reward.