§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Customs officials were employed to check personal imports of meat and meat products on 1 January(a) 2002, (b) 2001, (c) 2000 and (d) 1999. [36584]
§ Mr. BoatengCustoms law enforcement officers deal with the full range of prohibitions and restrictions where Customs has an enforcement responsibility. No Customs officials are employed specifically for meat and meat product checks where local and port health authorities and DEFRA have the lead responsibilities.
Customs officers do however participate in joint exercises organised by the lead agencies to target illicit meat as well as seizing meat found in the normal course of their duties.