Written question asked by Owen Paterson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 December 2004. It was answered by Baroness Primarolo (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 December 2004 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many dogs were employed in detecting illegal meat imports in (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003 and (e) the months January to November 2004; and how many will be employed in (i) 2005 and (ii) 2006. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Paterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many dogs were employed in detecting illegal meat imports in (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003 and (e) the months January to November 2004; and how many will be employed in (i) 2005 and (ii) 2006. [205978] Dawn Primarolo: The first two meat detector dogs began operations in September 2002 on a trial basis. Two more meat detector dogs began operations in January 2004 with a further two in March 2004. Subject to the results of the current training course, there will be 10 meat detector dogs in operational service during February 2005. Customs regularly reviews the numbers of meat detector dogs.

Secondary information