To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes there have been to numbers of HM Customs and Excise staff at Heathrow Airport since 1 May 1997 involved in investigations relating to drugs or other illegal items. [80986]

In May 1997, the number of HM Customs and Excise investigators based at Heathrow was 65. Since then, including a number of transfers of staff resulting from the closure of an office in Reading, the number has risen to 99. These staff deal with investigations relating to drugs, other prohibited goods and other customs and VAT frauds.