§ 7. Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he plans to take to reduce(a) smuggling and (b) other illegal activities in border areas. [167666]
§ Mr. PearsonWhilst cross-border co-operation between law enforcement agencies is already excellent, the Government are fully committed to working with the Government in the Irish Republic to develop a cohesive strategy and structure to maximise our effectiveness against those organised criminals who exploit the border.
In September 2004, it is planned that the two Governments will launch a cross-border organised crime threat assessment and joint strategy for tackling cross-border organised crime.