§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance he has given to district councils, Department of Environment Planning and Road Services and Customs and Excise regarding control of diesel-only supply outlets reselling illegally imported diesel fuel from the Irish Republic. [41378]
§ Dawn PrimaroloIt would not be appropriate for the Chancellor of the Exchequer to issue guidance to district councils or the Department of Environment. However the Government, Customs and Excise and the other authorities in Northern Ireland are aware of the problem of smuggling of duty paid fuel across the border into Northern Ireland for onward sale.
Customs are deploying resources and actively mounting investigations against those involved to counter the threat posed to the revenue and to the Northern Ireland business community. Customs are taking the lead on this issue but are acting in conjunction with other authorities, including the Royal Ulster Constabulary, to make seizures of oil tankers and vehicles carrying oil tanks filled with illegally imported fuel for resale. Wherever possible, cases are progressed with a view to criminal prosecution of the individuals concerned.
§ Mr. MossTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from the Petrol Retailers Association about the illegal importation of petroleum products into Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [41549]
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§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Chancellor has received representation from the Petrol Retailers Association via Northern Ireland MPs. The letters have received replies explaining the measures which are being taken to counter the threat posed by this illegal trade.
There is evidence of smuggling of duty paid fuel across the border into Northern Ireland for onward sale. The Government recognise that this is a serious problem which disadvantages legitimate traders. Customs are aware of the problem and are active in mounting investigations against those involved.
§ Mr. MossTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with HM Customs and Excise about the illegal importation of petroleum products into Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [41554]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Government and Customs are aware of the problem of smuggling of duty paid fuel into Northern Ireland for onward sale and recognise that it is a serious problem which disadvantages legitimate traders. Customs are deploying resources and actively mounting investigations against those involved to counter the threat posed to the revenue and to the Northern Ireland business community.
§ Mr. MossTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated loss of revenue through the illegal importation of petroleum products into Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [41535]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThere are no estimates available of this illegal activity.
There is a problem with illegal importation of duty paid fuel across the border into Northern Ireland for resale. Both the Government and Customs are aware of this situation and recognise that it seriously disadvantages legitimate traders. Customs are deploying resources and actively mounting investigations against those involved to counter the threat posed to the revenue and to the Northern Ireland business community.
§ Mr. MossTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the pump price per litre of(a) unleaded petrol and (b) derv in (i) Northern Ireland and (ii) the Republic of Ireland, indicating the percentage of duty and VAT in the total cost of each. [41534]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe pump prices of unleaded petrol and diesel in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are as follows:
Pence per litre Northern Ireland Republic of Ireland Unleaded petrol 66.4 55.73 Diesel 66.4 54.87 Duty (and VAT) represent the following percentages of these prices.
Percentage Northern Ireland Republic of Ireland Duty VAT Duty VAT Unleaded petrol 66.25 (14.88) 43.57 (17.35) Diesel 67.76 (14.88) 38.55 (17.35)