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Treasury

Answer

Mr. Paterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what steps have been taken to identify new technology to detect illegal meat imports; [205976] (2) what funds were allocated to identifying new technology to detect illegal meat imports in (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003 and (e) 2004; and how much is budgeted for this purpose for (i) 2005 and (ii) 2006; [205977] (3) what assessment his Department has made of trials of advanced remote detection systems at airports in detecting illegal meats; [205984] (4) what plans he has to carry out field trials of advanced remote detection systems on air routes which are known to be used by smugglers of illegal meat. [205985] Dawn Primarolo: Customs already uses existing x-ray technology for illegal meat when appropriate and continually monitors the market place for new technology that could further assist in its law enforcement role. Customs has been involved in a number of trials of equipment designed to aid the detection of illegal imports and smuggled goods of all kinds. One of those trials involved use of advanced remote detection systems at overseas airports. Customs decided for a number of reasons not to continue with the trials and that it was more practical to install x-ray equipment at specific UK ports and airports to help detect illicit goods including illegal meat. Customs has no plans for further field trials involving advanced remote detection systems. Customs' funding is not specifically allocated to identification of new technology aimed at the detection of illegal meat imports.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

428 c1590W;428 c1588W; 205976;205977;205984;205985

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Equipment Import controls Imports Meat X-rays Smuggling

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk