§ The Marquess of Ailesburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will confirm or deny the truth of a press report to the effect that Customs and Excise are in the habit of seizing and selling diesel cars if they find evidence that the car has been driven, on some date unknown, using fuel on which insufficient duty had been paid.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Arts (The Earl of Gowrie)Although diesel cars may become liable to forfeiture if fuel is used on which the full rate of duty has not been paid, seizure is made by Customs and Excise only after a full investigation of the circumstances and they are satisfied that such action is justified. No central records are kept but it is most unlikely that a car would be seized in the circumstances described. In most instances a seized vehicle is restored to the owner on payment of a sum substantially less than its value.