§ Mr. Mike O'BrienTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to increase the numbers of customs officers at Birmingham airport engaged in anti-smuggling activities in 1993; and what plans he has to respond to the proposed introduction of flights from the United States of America.
§ Sir John CopeThe Birmingham collection executive unit, as part of its ongoing analysis of staffing needs, has increased from 1 January 1993 the anti-smuggling staff based at Birmingham international airport. This is to take into account the perceived increase in risks in relation to the new American traffic.
Discussions are also taking place with both the airport authority and the major operator of transatlantic flights for provision by Customs of the appropriate number of staff for duties other than anti-smuggling.