2003 press releases

Plug the Customs Gap at Newhaven

Newhaven MP Norman Baker has obtained new figures which show that the town is chronically understaffed by customs officials compared with Shoreham Harbour - despite continued warnings from the Lib Dem MP that this is opening up a "green channel" for smugglers at Newhaven.

The number of customs officials at Newhaven has been slashed each year according to figures released by the Treasury to Mr Baker. There are now just 14 officers working to safeguard that stretch of coast from illegal imports, according to an official Parliamentary answer to Mr Baker. The year-on-year slump is as follows:

Year	Number of Officers
1990	124
1993	82
1995	60
1999	45
2000	30
2001	26
2002	14

In sharp contrast to the situation at Newhaven, figures from the government reveal that there are 60 customs officials at Shoreham Harbour. Mr Baker calls this figure "a basic customs presence with which to tackle import offences." This is more than 4 times the number of staff currently working at Newhaven.

Speaking about the disparities in the customs screen across the south coast, Norman Baker says:

"A gaping hole has appeared at Newhaven because of a dearth of customs officials. This is sending out a dangerous message that a 'green channel' is open to smugglers to bring in illegal drugs, tobacco, alcohol, bush meat, guns and even people with relative ease."

"The government must act now to plug the gap. An effective customs screen must be in place in all south coast ports to ensure illegal imports are caught and the offenders brought to book. The enormous discrepancy between Newhaven and Shoreham Harbour should be rectified and the spread of staff across the coast equalised."

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