14. Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress made in the introduction of UK-provided freight search technology in ports in(a) Northern France and (b) Belgium. [98770]
§ Beverley HughesWe have already deployed detection equipment at both Calais and Coquelles. There is now the capability to screen 100 per cent. of freight vehicles embarking from Calais. We will shortly be placing equipment at those key continental ports in France and Belgium, such as Dunkirk, Cherbourg, Ostend and Zeebrugge, vulnerable to the displacement of clandestine entry following the tightening of security at Calais.