§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many stowaways were detected at border controls in mainland Europe in(a) vehicles and (b) cargo bound for the UK in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [160374]
§ Mr. BrowneThe Government does not hold figures on the number of clandestines or stowaways detected at border controls in mainland Europe en route to the UK.
We do work closely with EU member states, Accession States, the "Near Neighbours" and countries in wider Europe on a wide range of migration issues, including measures aimed at strengthening borders within Europe.
Although we do not hold figures on the number of clandestines or stowaways detected at border controls in mainland Europe en route to the UK locally collated management information indicates that; enhanced juxtaposed controls, deployment of new detection technology and close co-operation with our EU counterparts, port authorities and carriers prevented more than 9,000 people crossing the channel illegally from Calais and Coquelles to the United Kingdom during 2003.