HC Deb 23 February 1995 vol 255 c275W
Sir Timothy Sainsbury

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many prosecutions have been made against individuals importing and illegally selling duty-free wines, beers and spirits from the EU; and what was the total value of goods seized.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

Of the 182 prosecutions brought by customs in the period 1 January 1993 to 31 December 1994 for the illegal importation or sale of alcoholic drinks duty paid in other member states, 54 involved alcohol only and 128 involved mixed loads of alcohol and tobacco. The retail value of the goods seized is not available, the volumes involved were 117,579 litres of beer, 4,556 litres of spirits and 13,314 litres of wine.