§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue lost through the smuggling of(a) tobacco and (b) alcohol into the UK in each of the last five years (i) in real terms and (ii) as a percentage change on the previous year; and if he will make a statement. [58760]
§ Dawn PrimaroloHM Customs and Excise current estimates for revenue lost (excise duty and VAT) through cross-Channel smuggling of alcohol and tobacco products in 1996 and 1997 are set out in the table:
Table 1—Revenue lost through cross-Channel smuggling £ million Product type 1996 1997 Alcohol 195 195 Tobacco 640 690 Total 835 885 Notes:
Figures have been independently rounded to £5 million. Components may not therefore sum to the total shownFigures shown are in current pricesThe percentage change in the estimate between 1996 and 1997 was 6 per cent., calculated from the unrounded estimates.
The above estimates exclude any amounts for revenue lost on alcoholic drinks and tobacco products smuggled in freight consignments or by air passengers. Customs and Excise have not published any estimates for the extent of these activities. Similarly, there were no official estimates for the extent of smuggling prior to 1996.