HC Deb 22 June 1994 vol 245 c210W
Mr. Nigel Evans

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Gillingham (Mr. Couchman) of 16 May,Official Report, column 295, if he will make a statement about the information on the regional distribution of duty-paid imports of beer given to him by the Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association, and the conclusions he has drawn from this information.

Sir John Cope

[holding answer 21 June 1994]: Individuals from anywhere in the United Kingdom may purchase duty-paid beer for their own use in other member states of the European Union. We have not sought to verify information on the regional distribution of legal duty-paid imports on beer compiled by the Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association, although we have noted the conclusions.

Mr. Nigel Evans

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Gillingham (Mr. Couchman) of 16 May,Official Report, column 295, if he will make a further statement on the involvement of organised crime in the illegal sale of duty-paid imports of beer.

Sir John Cope

[holding answer 21 June 1994]: There is no evidence of large-scale organised crime being involved so far in this illegal activity. Anyone who has evidence of such activity should contact Customs and Excise.