§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with retailers about the losses sustained by their industry as a result of tobacco smuggling. [86500]
§ Dawn PrimaroloCustoms continue to work with industry representatives on estimating the scale of tobacco smuggling and finding new ways to tackle the problem. Several retail trade associations contributed to the review of alcohol and tobacco fraud and smuggling published in July last year. The Government accepted the review findings and Customs are now progressing the recommendations in partnership with the trade.