HL Deb 03 February 1998 vol 585 cc109-10WA
Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What estimate they have made of the loss to the Board of Customs and Excise through diversion fraud in each of the last two financial years. [HL268]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

There is no accepted means of estimating the likely total loss to the revenue from this type of fraud.

Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they intend to take to prevent diversion fraud in excise duty on beers and spirits. [HL267]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

As announced in July 1997 HM Customs and Excise is conducting a comprehensive review to examine the effects of alcohol and tobacco fraud and smuggling. The review is now in its final stages and is expected to be completed shortly. The Chancellor will be considering its findings in the run up to the spring Budget.