§ Norman BakerTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of customs resources available to control the importation of illegal food. [15197]
§ Mr. BoatengThe lead responsibility for controls on imported food lies with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and agencies acting on its behalf. Customs has both provided support to these agencies and dealt with illicit meat detected as part of Customs normal control activities on imports. It is examining with DEFRA how it can best contribute to the overall Government response to the risks presented by illegal meat imports.