HC Deb 23 April 2002 vol 384 cc125-6W
Mr. Quentin Davies

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Customs and Excise officers have been employed on motor fuel smuggling duties in Northern Ireland in each year since 1997. [50026]

Mr. Boateng

[holding answer 22 April 2002]: Up to April 2000, 25 Customs and Excise officers were employed to tackle hydrocarbon oils smuggling in Northern Ireland. The number of staff was increased to 118 in September 2000 and since January 2001 it has been further increased to over 160. The Government plan further enhancements to Customs efforts in this area during the course of this year.