HC Deb 29 October 2002 vol 391 cc740-1W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health inspectors are available to check imports through the ports of(a) Southampton, (b) Bristol, (c) Portsmouth, (d) Poole, (e) Weymouth, (f) Bournemouth Airport and (g) Southampton Airport; and if he will make a statement. [72521]

Ms Blears

[holding answer 15 October 2002]: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that responsibility for employing environmental health officers at airports and seaports rests with the local authorities which have responsibilities for port health work. The number of enforcement officers employed is determined by the local authorities. The numbers of such officers are not held centrally.