Petrol Smuggling

HC Deb 22 March 1999 vol 328 cc94-5W

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to combat the smuggling of petrol into the UK. [77481]

Ms Hewitt

[holding answer 18 March 1999]: Customs will soon be deploying extra resources to combat the smuggling of road fuel into Northern Ireland. In addition to the anti-smuggling operations a rolling programme of VAT assurance visits to all petroleum retailers in Northern Ireland is in operation. These inspections will check sales against legitimate purchases by reference to pump readings. There is little evidence that smuggling of fuel into any other area of the United Kingdom is a cause for concern.