HC Deb 28 July 1998 vol 317 cc212-3W
Mr. Alan Simpson

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the level and value of tobacco smuggling into the United Kingdom. [53093]

Mr. Geoffrey Robinson

The table sets out Customs' most recent estimate of the total revenue (excise duty and VAT) lost to the Exchequer through cross-Channel smuggling of tobacco products in calendar year 1997.

Revenue lost to the Exchequer from smuggling in 1997
£ million
Product type Revenue lost
Hand-rolling tobacco 540
Cigarettes and other tobacco products 145
Total 690

Note:

Figures have been independently rounded to £5 million. Components may not therefore sum to the totals given

There are no official estimates for the revenue lost through smuggling in freight consignments or by air passengers, and the estimates given do not include any amounts for these types of supply.

The share of UK consumption represented by cross-Channel smuggling is about 1½ per cent. for cigarettes, and about 69½ per cent. for hand-rolling tobacco.