§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which(a) seaports 230W and(b) airports are being targeted by her Department for additional checks on passenger baggage and freight for illegal imports; and what assessment she has made of the work done in the last 12 months. [82411]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 21 November 2002]Additional checks began at two major seaports at the beginning of October this year, and at a third seaport at the beginning of November. Teams have been recruited and are currently in training at two major airports. They are expected to be operational before the end of November. One of these teams will also operate at other airports around the country.
Specific details of staff and ports of operation could benefit potential smugglers.
It is too soon to make an assessment of the impact of these additional checks.