§ Mr. VazTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the treatment at Heathrow airport of Judge Margaret Jackson by customs officials.
§ Sir John Cope[holding answer 9 July 1992]: Ms. Margaret Jackson was questioned and searched by customs at Heathrow Airport on Thursday 11 June. She had arrived at around 10.15 am on a flight which is considered by Customs to be in the high-risk category for drug smuggling. After initial questioning, Customs officers decided to carry out a search. Ms. Jackson was offered the 355W opportunity to see a senior officer and her rights under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 were explained. The search was authorised by the senior officer and carried out by a female officer in accordance with the standard procedures. This search, and a subsequent urine test, proved negative. Ms. Jackson was released at 12.02 pm. Throughout her detention Ms. Jackson was made aware of her legal rights and she was offered access to an on-call duty solicitor.