§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what rules govern the import by army personnel of captured weapons to the UK as souvenirs; what measures are taken to enforce these rules; and how many individuals have been subject to disciplinary action for infringements in the last five years.[176026]
§ Mr. IngramAll armed forces personnel are subject to the 'Import, Export and Customs Powers (Defence) Act 1939' and the 'Import of Goods (Control) Order 1954'. This legislation prohibits the importation of all goods including military operational memorabilia, firearms and cultural objects into the United Kingdom unless under the authority of a licence issued by the Department of Trade and Industry.
Service police search all equipment, vehicles and containers returning from operational theatres, and members of the RAF are provided with guidance on the search of equipment and baggage loaded onto aircraft.
Over the last five years, a total of eight service personnel have been reported by the Royal Military Police for infringements.