§ Mr. HurstTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much illegal meat imports in weight were seized by customs officials at United Kingdom ports of entry in each year from 1995 to 2001. [87327]
§ John HealeyI have been asked to reply. Currently, the lead responsibility for detecting illegal imports of meat lies with Local and Port Health Authorities and Defra. Customs support and co-operate with these lead agencies both in joint exercises and by 613W seizing illegal meat when discovered in Customs checks. The Government has announced that all activity against smuggling of meat, animal products fish and plant matter will be brought together in Customs. Work on arrangements to effect this transfer has begun.
Central records of Customs seizures of meat are only available from 2000. Weights recorded as seized by Customs in years ending 31 March are:
Year Metric Tons 2000–01 2.655 2001–02 9.780
§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to raise the awareness of restrictions she has enforced on meat imports. [87736]
§ Mr MorleyWe have an ongoing campaign to highlight to travellers the risks posed by illegal imports. This has already used a variety of methods, including posters, leaflets, information videos, and interviews. Future publicity highlights include having a DEFRA presence at "Destinations 2003" and "The Holiday Show 2003". Our publicity campaign remains under constant review.
Specifically to highlight the new rules, the poster detailing the personal allowances for personal imports of plant and animal products is being updated to reflect the new stricter EU rules on personal imports. It will be displayed at ports of entry into the UK and aimed at travellers arriving from outside the EU.
We are continuing to work with our posts and embassies abroad to raise awareness of our import rules at points of departure.