§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the effect of the illegal importation of petroleum products into Northern Ireland on(a) ancillary industries, (b) rural employment and (c) the rural economy; and if she will make a statement. [42890]
§ Mr. IngramIllegal importation of petroleum products into Northern Ireland is a matter for HM Customs and Excise and the Treasury. Treasury Ministers are aware of the Petrol Retailers Association's concerns about the economic effects and Customs are actively deploying resources to counter the threats posed to the revenue and to the Northern Ireland business community.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reasons she declined to meet the officers of the Petrol Retailers Association to discuss the illegal importation of petroleum products into Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. [42881]
§ Mr. IngramThe petrol Retailers Association wrote to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State expressing their concerns about illegal importation of petroleum products into Northern Ireland and requesting a meeting. Illegal importation of products across UK national boundaries is a matter for HM Customs and Excise and the Treasury. A response from the Financial Secretary to the Treasury has issued been to the Association.
§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what additional measures are being taken by the Royal Ulster Constabulary to intercept commercial vehicles transporting motor fuel products into Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement. [43448]
§ Mr. IngramThe RUC has been liaising with a multi-national oil company and HM Customs and Excise. As a result a strategic, co-ordinated and intelligence led plan is being developed to address this problem effectively.
A series of additional tactics and operational measures are now being actively considered.
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