§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the total value of contraband confiscated by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise for the latest year 947W for which figures are available; and how much of this was alcohol and cigarettes.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonI have been asked to reply.
These details could not be obtained except at a disproportionate cost to public funds. Such information as is available is published in the annual report of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise and relates only to the number of seizures and to the quantities of goods principally involved. In the Commissioners' Report for the year ended 31st March 1976 the following details of seizures of tobacco and spirits were published:
Tobacco: 20,761 lbs.Spirits: 2,824 proof gallons.