§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he is taking to eradicate the smuggling of tobacco from the continent into the United Kingdom [18546]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe number of front-line Customs staff to deal with Single Market excise smuggling has been significantly increased in the last 15 months. An extra 70 have been allocated throughout the country under the Spend to Save initiative. In addition, a further 30, backed up by specialist investigation officers, are currently being deployed at Dover to intensify the drive 245W against the illegal trade. Customs announced new measures on 26 September 1997 to crack down on hired vehicles used for smuggling.
My right hon. Friend announced in his Budget a review of the effects on the Exchequer and the industry of alcohol and tobacco fraud, smuggling and cross-border shopping. The review, which is being conducted in partnership with all the trade sectors concerned and with key Government departments, will report to me by the end of the year with options for dealing with these issues.
§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what have been the seizures of(a) alcohol, (b) cigarettes and (c) rolling tobacco at ports of entry to the United Kingdom in 1994, 1995, 1996; and what are the latest available figures. [18371]
§ Dawn PrimaroloDetections throughout the UK of goods smuggled from the Single Market were as follows, in terms of the duty (in £ million) that should have been paid.
1993–94 1994–95 1996–97 1996–97 Alcohol 0.8 2.75 8 11.8 Cigarettes 0.3 0.9 1.2 5.3 Handling Rolling Tobacco 1 3.1 5.6 12.3