§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of evidence submitted by HM Customs and Excise in April and May 1998 on the issue of smuggling of fuel oils. [62238]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 3 December 1998]: Both the Government and Customs are aware of the situation with the illegal importation of road fuel into Northern Ireland for resale and recognise that it is a serious problem which disadvantages legitimate traders. Customs are deploying resources and actively mounting investigations against those involved to counter the threat posed to the revenue and to the Northern Ireland business community. Customs are taking the lead on this issue but are acting in conjunction with other authorities, including the Royal Ulster Constabulary, to make seizures of oil tankers and vehicles carrying oil tanks filled with illegally imported fuel for resale. Wherever possible, cases are progressed with a view to criminal prosecution of the individuals involved.
There is little evidence that smuggling of fuel into any other area of the United Kingdom is a cause for concern.
27W
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of fuel oil smuggling on retail sales of petrol in South East England. [62237]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 3 December 1998]: HM Customs and Excise have no estimates for the impact of fuel oil smuggling on retail sales of petrol in South East England.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many petrol tankers have been impounded by HM Customs in each of the last five years. [62234]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 3 December 1998]: In 1998 to date 48 vehicles have been seized by Customs for alleged smuggling of petroleum products into Northern Ireland and 2 in Liverpool for alleged smuggling onto the UK mainland.
The problem of petroleum smuggling into Northern Ireland has been evident only since late 1997 and indeed this is the reverse of the situation which existed a few years ago when people from the Republic of Ireland would travel to Northern Ireland to purchase cheaper fuel. There were no seizures of vehicles or fuel in years prior to 1998.