§ Mr. Alan ReidTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) successful and (b) unsuccessful prosecutions there were for evading duty on spirits in the most recent year for which figures are available. [147324]
§ John Healey[holding answer 12 January 2004]:In 2002–03, there were 24 prosecutions for evading duty on spirits. Of these, 21 were successful and three were unsuccessful.
1116WAdditionally, 62 prosecutions were brought for cases involving the evasion of duty on mixed excise goods, some of which may have included spirits.
Figures for the current and future years will be reported on an annual basis by HM Customs and Excise in their Annual Report.