§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the number of people suspected of carrying illegal drugs stopped and searched at ports of entry into the United Kingdom since 1 January 1997. [23291]
§ Dawn PrimaroloI regret that separate figures are not kept on the number of people stopped and searched specifically on suspicion of carrying illegal drugs. From 1 January to 30 September 1997 Customs staff at ports and airports stopped and searched 14,788 people on suspicion of carrying restricted or prohibited goods. Figures for the last quarter of 1997 are not yet available.