§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Customs and Excise officers are to be trained to act as verification officers to deal with illicit trade in duty free and duty paid goods after 1 January 1993.
§ Sir John CopeCustoms and Excise staff currently employed on excise control work are already experienced in detecting illicit trade in excise goods. This sector is being reinforced, initially by 120 staff, who have been specially selected for further specific training in countering the new revenue risks following completion of the single market. The ongoing training programme, which will be made 237W available to further selected staff as necessary, will also be continuously reviewed and adapted in the light of developments.