asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which Mrs. Jean Warrington was strip searched by customs officers at Gatwick airport during the first week of April; what is the policy of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise towards the use of strip searches; what guidelines are given to customs officers on the procedures for strip searches, with particular reference to the treatment of pregnant women, and as to the sex of the officers who carried out the search; and if he will make a statement.

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.