§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what evaluation Her Majesty's customs and waterguard service has made of the use of airborne radar surveillance to counter drug smuggling and illegal immigration; and if he will list the aircraft available to Her Majesty's customs for these duties.
§ Sir John CopeHer Majesty's Customs in association with other Government Departments carry out target-based and routine aerial surveillance over land, territorial and international waters. A procurement exercise is being evaluated to establish a managed aerial surveillance service uniquely for the Department using the best of modern technology including radar.
For security reasons, it is not the practice to identify specific aircraft used.