HC Deb 12 March 2001 vol 364 cc472-3W
Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on tackling the smuggling of motor fuel products into Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [153426]

Dawn Primarolo

The Government are committed to tackling this problem and since September 2000 have increased by a factor of four the resources for tackling it in Northern Ireland. I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to the hon. Member for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale (Mr. Morgan) on 7 November 2000,Official Report, column 123W.

Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many successful prosecutions there have been in respect of the smuggling of motor fuel products into Northern Ireland; and how many vehicles smuggling motor fuel products into Northern Ireland have been seized in 2001. [153425]

Dawn Primarolo

The data for the opening months of 2001 are not yet available.