Illegal Meat Imports

HC Deb 27 June 2002 vol 387 cc1046-7W

Mr. Collins

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the priority given by HM Customs and Excise to the prevention of illegal meat imports into the UK. [64876]

John Healey

Import controls to detect illegal import of meat and meat products are the responsibility of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and local or port health officers. HM Customs and Excise does not therefore specifically target its checks against the risk of illegal import of meat and meat products.

Customs does however support the controls to prevent illegal import of meat and meat products by: Dealing with meat and meat products found in the course of checks made in relation to the wide range of controls for which Customs does have lead responsibility; Participating in joint exercises organised by DEFRA or local or port health officers; Supporting DEFRA and local and port health officers with information to assist in detection of illegal imports; and Contributing to the DEFRA led illegal imports programme, for example by assisting in developing risk assessment.