HC Deb 30 November 2001 vol 375 cc1227-8W
Mr. Waterson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what security measures are applied at yacht harbours and marinas to counter (a) illegal immigration, (b) drugs trafficking and (c) terrorism; and if he will make a statement. [17143]

Angela Eagle

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions that protective security advice has been circulated by Transec and covers maritime activities in these areas.

The Immigration Service is in contact with harbour masters and coastguards in order to increase their awareness of immigration issues. It works closely with Her Majesty's Customs and Excise maritime intelligence and has had success in apprehending small vessels as a result.

Yacht harbours and marinas are included within the overall drugs trafficking intelligence assessments used by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise; resources are deployed in line with these assessments.

Specific security measures at individual small ports are the responsibility of individual chief constables in those jurisdictions.