EAST Lancashire MPs have backed a crackdown on Customs and Excise offiers who persecute booze cruise holidaymakers.

Labour MPs Greg Pope and Peter Pike and Tory colleague Nigel Evans have joined Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Chris Davies in welcoming the new tough guidelines.

They said travellers across the Channel can in future expect fairer treatment by customs officers following a stern warning from the European Commission.

European Commission officials have launched an investigation into British Government policy of seizing goods for even minor infringements of rules.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said: "This is a good move. While it is vital that we use intelligence-led policing to tackle the major smugglers of booze and fags and those trying to bring in drugs and indulge in people trafficking."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: "There are important smuggling issues to be dealt with such as drugs and people trafficking."

"It is also right that we tackle major smuggling of alcohol and tobacco to evade UK duty and undermine local pubs and newsagents."

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "It is totally wrong for ordinary people bringing supplies back for their personal use should be persecuted -- especially when they are stocking up for Christmas."

European rules provide for free movement of goods within EU borders.