HC Deb 10 July 2002 vol 388 cc966-7W
22. Mr. Hendrick

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress made in tackling smuggling in Northern Ireland. [65820]

Jane Kennedy

On 23 May, the Secretary of State launched the second annual Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) threat assessment and strategy.

There have been some tremendous operations against smuggling. Since 1 April 2001 over 63 million smuggled cigarettes have been seized by Customs in Northern Ireland. The latest available figures show that deliveries of legal oils products to Northern Ireland have risen by seven per cent. in the last 12 months, the first time in five years.

However, the Government believe that oils related fraud remains at an unacceptably high level and is considering options for further initiatives to counter road fuel duty evasion and the associated problems in Northern Ireland.

26. Kali Mountford

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in tackling smuggling in Northern Ireland. [65825]

Jane Kennedy

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston (Mr. Hendrick), ref. 65820.

28. Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress the Police Service of Northern Ireland has made this year in combating the illegal trade in fuel. [65827]

Jane Kennedy

On 23 May, the Secretary of State launched the second annual Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) threat assessment and strategy.

Oils related fraud continues to be a major problem, although there is evidence that the position has stabilized and slightly improved. The latest available figures show that deliveries of legal product to Northern Ireland have risen by seven per cent. in the last 12 months, for the first time in five years.

There were some major operational successes in the previous year. In December, a major multi-agency cross border operation. in which PSNI played an important role. was undertaken during which 31 premises were searched. Nine people were charged in connection with the evasion of road fuel excise duty and money laundering offences.