To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what procedures are in place at ports of entry to inform people of their rights of appeal before being subjected to a strip search by Customs and Excise officers. [8523]

Before customs carries out a strip search travellers must be informed of their right of appeal orally by the officer and the traveller's attention is drawn to customs notice No. 11—available in the House of Commons Library—which is displayed in all search rooms. This notice advises travellers that before a strip search is undertaken they have a right of appeal to:

—a senior officer of Customs and Excise, or

—a justice of the peace