Mr Filing asked the Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs, upon notice, on 27 June 1996:

(1) Has his attention been drawn to an article in the Economist of 8 June 1996 containing a claim that a person is more likely to be burgled in Australia than in the USA and indicating Australia's high world ranking in the incidence of burglary.

(2) Is it a fact that a high proportion of burglaries are committed to fund drug addiction.

(3) Will he ensure that proposed funding cuts to the Australian Customs Service do not adversely affect the fight against drugs.

Mr Prosser —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) No.

(2) This is a matter primarily for state or federal police forces and I note that the question has been asked of the Attorney-General.

(3) As minister responsible for Customs I will continue to require Customs to fulfil the Australian community's expectations of Customs to play its part in the fight against drugs by pursuing the most effective application of its resources.