§ Mr. CotterTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate HM Customs and Excise has made of the effect on the level of cigarette smuggling of the recent price increase. [28510]
§ Dawn PrimaroloCustoms and Excise estimates of cross-channel smuggling of cigarettes are based on data from their surveys of sea and Tunnel passengers, conducted in June each year. Therefore, no estimate of the effect on smuggling of the most recent price increase is available.
§ Mr. CotterTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 22 January 1998,Official Report, column 648, if the conclusions of the report on alcohol and tobacco smuggling, cross border shopping and fraud currently being prepared by HM Customs and Excise, and the views of independent retailers of tobacco on the subject of illegal re-sale of tobacco, imported from Belgium, will be considered in preparing his Budget statement. [28580]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe findings of the review, which was undertaken in consultation with the trade, is currently being considered by Ministers in the run up to the spring Budget.