To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many HM Revenue and Customs front-line detection staff with primary responsibility for detecting illegal imports of products of animal origin were employed in each year since 2001-02. (153767)

With the exception of certain technical specialists, all HMRC frontline detection staff are employed as multifunctional Customs staff with a responsibility to tackle a range of risks at the border, including dealing with products of animal origin (POAO). None of them are employed with primary responsibility for detecting illegal imports of products of animal origin.