§ Laura MoffattTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in intercepting illegally imported meats in the luggage of travellers entering the UK. [146373]
§ John HealeyCustoms took over enforcement responsibility for imported products of animal origin (POAO), including meat, on 11 April 2003 and have made good progress in fulfilling their obligations under the Government's Action Plan 2003–04 On Illegal Imports Of Meat, Other Animal Products, Plants, And Plant Products.
A letter to stakeholders, prepared by Defra in conjunction with Customs, sets out progress against all aspects of the action Plan. It can be found on the Defra website at: www.defra.qov.uk/animalh/illeqali
I have placed a copy in the Library of the House.
Information for preceding years was submitted by Defra in its "Annual Review of Controls on Imports of Animal Products: April 2002—March 2003", a copy of which is also available in the Library of the House.