Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, at what locations animals suspected of contravening regulations on (a) smuggling and (b) biosecurity are inspected by the Animal and Plant Health Agency when identified by border officials at (i) Dover and (ii) other UK ports.

The term smuggling (concealment) is not common and reflective of the type of non-compliances identified. Smuggled (concealed) consignments will normally be identified by UKBF and referred to the APHA Dover Team for our response.

The APHA team in Dover carry out both targeted and random inspections within Dover Port and in Coquelles, France (Eurotunnel), also covering Harwich and Newhaven Ports. Checks are carried out within a secure area of the Ports. At Dover, Harwich and Newhaven, checks are performed by APHA upon arrival into GB. For Eurotunnel checks must be performed within the control zones in Coquelles, France.