§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the consequences for small businesses in Wales of the crossborder smuggling of(a) alcohol and (b) petrol. [49563]
§ Dawn PrimaroloI have been asked to reply.
I have no information about the consequences of alcohol smuggling relating to Wales in particular. However the Government are very much aware of the illegal trade in alcohol and tobacco goods and its effect on the legitimate trade. In his July Budget last year the Chancellor announced a review to examine the effects of alcohol and tobacco fraud, smuggling and cross-border shopping, 2 July 1997, Official Report, columns 303–17. The Government will announce their proposals as part of the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review. I have no evidence to suggest the smuggling of petrol is a problem in Wales or anywhere else.