We are making a clear pitch for tougher sentences and urging the need for a universal sentencing policy, said Hugh Robertson, the Olympics minister. We would like to see at least four years, if not rather longer than that.

The ministers view supports that of the British Olympic Association but is at odds with that of UK Anti-Doping chief executive Andy Parkinson, who has personally advocated a softening of some sanctions.

Robertson said: That difference of opinion happens in sport. It is not helpful just before the London 2012 Olympics but I am not asking him to resign.

The ministers spokesman said that athletes arriving for the London Olympics would be able to bring into the country a quantity of steroids as long as it was for their personal use.

It is not a criminal offence for personal consumption for athletes in this country, but they will be dealt with under anti-doping law if they get caught with the drugs in their system, the spokesman said.

UKAD also confirmed that it would expect border control officers to tip them off so that targeted drugs testing could be carried out.

UK Anti-Doping has a two-way exchange of information with the border agency to ensure that information about athletes and support personnel can be used to identify trends and patterns and build up anti-doping rule violations, UKAD head of intelligence Gabriella Re said.

The International Olympic Committee says it will conduct 5,000 drug tests, of which 1,000 will be blood tests, throughout the London Olympics.

Road cyclist David Millar, 35, has confirmed he will not compete at London even if Wadas appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to overturn the BOA life ban for drug cheats is successful.

Millar broke his collarbone last week but said the ongoing controversy of his EPO drugs record had taken away the joy of possibly competing at the Games.

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London 2012 Olympics: Soft UK law will allow athletes to import anabolic steroids if they are for 'personal use'