Revenue and Customs: Boats

Mr. Philip Hammond
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many boats HM Revenue and Customs has; how much each cost to (a) purchase and (b) run in 2007-08; and what they are used for.

Jane Kennedy
HM Revenue and Customs has five offshore vessels, each costing an average of £4.5 million when first built. The overall budget for the maritime operation is £2.5 million per year. The primary role of these vessels is to prevent smuggling by ships and pleasure craft.