Written question asked by Lord Deben (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 November 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 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, what the cost is per unit of X ray equipment capable of the detection of bushmeat in aircraft passenger luggage.

Answer: Mr. Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost is per unit of X-ray equipment capable of the detection of bushmeat in aircraft passenger luggage. [75928] Mr. Morley: The cost of X-ray machines varies with size and specification. Trained operators and associated personnel are also required, all of which add to the costs. Defra is investigating the potential for using X-ray machines to detect illegal imports of meat, meat products and bushmeat in passenger baggage and commercial freight entering the UK. Until these investigations are complete, we cannot calculate costings.

Secondary information