§ Valerie DaveyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement concerning the unlawful activities of senior officers of HM Customs and Excise in connection with the seizure of the Simon de Danser vessel; and what action he will take as a result. [70640]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Chairman of the Commissioners of HM Customs and Excise has asked Sir Gerald Hosker KCB QC, previously the Treasury Solicitor, to conduct an independent inquiry into the actions of Customs and Excise officials in relation to the case. A summary of the report and its recommendations will be made available to the House.
§ Valerie DaveyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will require HM Customs and Excise to pay compensation to the police authorities for the waste of police time in connection with the Simon de Danser case. [70641]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThis was a joint police/Customs operation in which both parties contribute to costs.
§ Valerie DaveyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer who made the decision to ask for the Special Boat Squadron to be involved in the boarding and seizure of the Simon de Danser vessel in May 1997. [70639]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe decision was made by Customs, in conjunction with the police, to ask the Ministry of Defence for military assistance to board the vessel Simon de Danser. It is the Ministry of Defence who decide what assistance is appropriate.