Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 26 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 December 2003. It was answered by John Healey (Labour) on Monday, 8 December 2003 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make a statement on the future of the HM Customs Unit based at Shoreham Harbour.

Answer: Tim Loughton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the future of the HM Customs Unit based at Shoreham Harbour. [141094] John Healey: UK criminality is becoming ever more sophisticated and organised. To meet these threats Customs need to change tactics and respond by operating more flexibly and organising and targeting their law enforcement activity to respond to the greatest risks. The activities carried out by Customs staff based in Shoreham are no longer concentrated in and around the locality. More often the operational teams will be working together with colleagues from larger principal offices dealing with criminals who operate on a UK- wide scale. Customs have therefore outlined proposals to consider bringing together posts from Shoreham with other Law Enforcement staff in larger centralised locations by 2006. I am informed that discussions with local staff affected by these proposals and with the departmental trade union will take place before any final decisions are taken.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 141094; 415 c333W;415 c335W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Customs and Excise Customs Ports Shoreham
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk

Treasury

Secondary information

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