HL Deb 24 July 2001 vol 626 c197WA
Lord Randall of St Budeaux

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 2 April (WA81), whether national records are maintained by HM Customs and Excise of people searched at ports and airports, and their ethnic appearance. [HL639]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

HM Customs and Excise compiles and publishes national data about people searched under the powers of the Customs and Excise Management Act. The published data includes information about the percentage of such searches which prove to be successful and the ethnic appearance of the people searched. Specific information is not maintained or published about its use of search of person powers at individual ports and airports, including Heathrow. Customs and Excise does not maintain or publish records of people who are stopped but not searched, and who are free to leave after initial informal questions.