§ Lord Hardy of Wathasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the duty on tobacco products and alcoholic drinks is higher than the average in the European Union; and, if so, whether they consider that this is a cause of criminal activity. [HL1003]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe duties on tobacco and alcohol in the UK are higher than the average in the European Union. Cross-border differences in duty rates are a contributory factor to the smuggling of alcohol and tobacco products.