§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the impact on UK employment of the smuggling of(a) drink and (b) tobacco from the European mainland. [52294]
§ Mr. Geoffrey RobinsonI have been asked to reply.
I have no information about the consequences of alcohol and tobacco smuggling relating to UK employment in particular. However, the Government are very much aware of the illegal trade in alcohol and tobacco 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. The Government will announce the outcome of the review shortly.