§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present estimated value of revenue lost to the Exchequer because of illicit cross-border trade in alcohol and tobacco products.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryForecasting levels of illicit activity is by its nature always difficult. A broad estimate derived from amounts seized has been made of £35 million on revenue loss from all smuggling of excise goods. Work is continuing to improve estimation in this field.
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the average monthly revenue value of seizures made by HM Customs and Excise during 1993–94 for(a) all tobacco goods, (b) all alcohol beverages, (c) hand-rolled tobacco and (d) beer; and what is the estimated monthly revenue value of seizures for the same products for the six months to September 1994.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe average monthly revenue value of seizures made by HM Customs and Excise in the financial year ending 31 March 1994 were(a) £98,514 for all tobacco products, (b) £64,892 for all alcoholic beverages, (c) £77,205 for hand-rolled tobacco and (d) £41,091 for beer.
Details of seizures for the month of September 1994 are not currently available. The average monthly revenue value of seizure for the same products for the five months to August 1994 were (a) £287,467, (b) £93,060, {c) £243,949 and (d) £60,280 respectively.