To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criteria are used by Customs and Excise officers to determine reasonable grounds for suspicion prior to strip searching; and if there is a code of practice by which officers can be held accountable. [8524]

Customs and Excise follow the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 Code of Practice on intimate and strip searches.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of people strip searched in the custody of Customs and Excise officers (a) were not charged with any offence and (b) were not subsequently convicted of any offence, in each of the last three years. [8522]

Information in the form requested is not readily available.