§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when a flexible anti-smuggling team of Customs and Excise was first established at Leeds/Bradford airport; and how many Customs and Excise staff are based permanently at the airport; how many people arriving at the airport have telephoned requesting to declare goods for excise charges to be levied; and if he will make a statement. [26140]
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryFlexible anti-smuggling teams were introduced by Customs at Leeds/Bradford airport in early 1992. There are no Customs staff based permanently at the airport. Local Customs management estimate that about six telephone calls per month are made to declare goods for which excise charges are to be levied.
There are no Customs-free ports or airports. Over recent years, Customs enforcement strategy has progressively moved away from a static presence at all ports and airports towards more flexible checks operated by fast response teams targeted at both areas and times of highest risks. At major ports and airports these anti-smuggling teams are based on site, the smaller places being covered by mobile anti-smuggling strategy, which encompasses both anti-smuggling and fiscal controls, there are some locations where passengers can telephone Customs if they have anything to declare for fiscal purposes. This facility is not a part of anti-smuggling controls.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the absence of permanent Customs and Excise staff at Leeds/Bradford airport. [26141]
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmorySince 1 January 1994, two representations have been received referring specifically to concerns about the absence of permanently based Customs staff at Leeds/Bradford airport, and a further representation expressed concern about airports, including Leeds/Bradford, which have no permanently based staff.