§ Annabelle EwingTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many Customs and Excise staff were employed in Scotland in each year since 2002; [157866]
(2) when the last review of staffing numbers and locations was carried out by. HM Customs and Excise; [157867]
(3) what plans he has to increase the number of Customs and Excise staff employed in Scotland. [157868]
§ John Healey[holding answers 2 March 2004]The regional distribution of permanent staff (including fixed term) staff in all Government Departments is published annually by the Cabinet Office in Table D of 'Civil Service Statistics', a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.
In April 2002 there were 1170 full time equivalent Customs and Excise staff based in Scotland, along with a further 21.5 casual staff.
The April 2003 figures are due for publication in the summer.
In addition, staff from the national and mobile strike teams of the Law Enforcement business are available to be deployed in Scotland according to the assessed risks and operational needs. Along with detector dog teams and crews of the customs cutter fleet.
The national deployment of Customs and Excise staff is reviewed annually, and at other times as necessary. The number of staff deployed in Scotland are determined by current risk and intelligence factors. Resourcing for the next year will be decided by the Department's business managers in accordance with their assessment of operational needs.