HC Deb 15 November 2000 vol 356 c713W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to her letter of 31 August, what contact has taken place with Ion Track Instruments on drug and explosive sniffing tunnels; and what has been done to monitor the progress of the development and evaluation of these devices. [136807]

Marjorie Mowlam

Officials in HM Customs and Excise have maintained contact with Ion Tack Instruments, but there have been no significant developments with this portal detection system since my hon. Friend received the letter of 31 August from the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield (Mr. McCartney). I understand that further tests in the United States will take place early in the new year, in which UK Government officials will maintain an interest in the progress and outcomes.