Written question asked by Colin Breed (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 29 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 November 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 7 November 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many non-statutory inspections were carried out for illegal food imports in each of the last 10 years, broken down by category. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many non- statutory inspections were carried out for illegal food imports in each of the last 10 years, broken down by category. [78615] Mr. Morley: Control of imports of products of animal origin is the responsibility of Local/Port Health Authorities. Information on the number of inspections carried out is not held centrally. During the course of checks for other products (including drugs and money), illegal food imports may also be found. Since 1 April 2001, 3899 seizures of animal products have been reported to Defra).

Secondary information