§ Mr. SimpsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Customs and Excise officers have been in post each year since 1979, solely involved in the detection of the illegal import of drugs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir John CopeThe only customs staff whose duties are solely involved in the detection of illegal imports of drugs are those who work in the customs investigation division and local collection investigation units. The relevant numbers are:
630W
Year Number 1979–80 121 1980–81 133 1981–82 152
Year Number 1982–83 183 1983–84 201 1984–85 212 1985–86 262 1986–87 297 1987–88 376 1988–89 395 1989–90 420 1990–91 568 1991–92 576 1992–93 582 11993–94 591 1 estimate In addition, all staff employed on anti-smuggling duties at ports and airports have a prime responsibility in the detection of the illegal importation of drugs as well as of other prohibitied and restricted goods.