§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates and locations of spot checks on illegal meat imports carried out by her Department in the last two years. [38842]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 28 February 2002]: Responsibility for enforcing legislation on imported meat rests with the local and port health authorities not with my Department. All Customs officers dealing with passengers look for the range of restricted and prohibited goods, including meat, as part of their normal duties. DEFRA's State Veterinary Service staff are responsible for enforcing rules on imports of live animals and animal products not intended for human consumption. Officials from the three bodies co-operate from time to time on special joint exercises to deter and detect illicit imports in passengers' baggage, including meat.
Since April 2001, members of the State Veterinary Service have been involved in around nine joint exercises at Heathrow (covering 20 flights). They have also participated in some of the exercises organised by Crawley borough council who have responsibility for Gatwick airport.
Information for 2000 and other locations is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.