Written question asked by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative) on Monday, 29 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 December 2004. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Thursday, 9 December 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which British shipping ports have the use of (a) stationary lorry scanning equipment and (b) mobile scanning equipment.

Answer: Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which British shipping ports have the use of (a) stationary lorry scanning equipment and (b) mobile scanning equipment. [201516] Mr. Browne: The United Kingdom Immigration Service (UKIS) deploys fixed new detection technology, such as Heartbeat Detection equipment at the juxtaposed controls in France, and it is loaned to the port authorities at Calais, Coquelles, Oostende, and Vlissingen. UKIS do not currently operate fixed equipment at UK ports. The United Kingdom Immigration Service operates mobile VACIS Gamma ray scanning unit, as a joint operation with Her Majesty's Customs and Excise (HMC and E), which is deployed to support intelligence-led freight search operations. HMC and E deploy mobile scanning equipment at various ports throughout the UK.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 201516; 428 c746W;428 c746-7W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Immigration controls Undocumented migrants Large goods vehicles Equipment Ports
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk