Oral answer to question provided on Monday, 10 October 2005 in the House of Commons, by Tony McNulty (Labour), Home Office.

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Border security

Answer

My answer was a direct response to a question about ports that are staffed 24 hours a day. We do not believe that it is appropriate to staff 350-plus ports on a 24-hour basis, come what may, and I believe that others who investigate these matters would agree with that. The present arrangements have the potential for mobility, and I believe that the job is being done well by the UK immigration service, the police and Customs and Excise. I would ask my hon. Friend not to go down the path taken by the Conservatives of maligning public servants who are dedicated to their jobs.