§ Mr. RuffleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of meat imports were subject to random checks in the last 12 months. [53702]
§ Mr. MorleyAll commercial consignments of meat from third countries are required to be presented to border inspection posts where they undergo 100 per cent. documentary and identity checks. Physical checks are undertaken on a minimum of 50 per cent. of consignments of poultry and game meat, with a minimum level of 20 per cent. on other meats.
In addition HM Customs and Excise have also participated with local and port health authorities in targeted exercises on air passengers and deal with meat found in baggage in contravention of our imports rules as part of their normal controls. In cargo, meat found in 273W Customs examinations which was not declared in freight would be drawn to the attention of the local and port health authorities.