§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the loss of duty to the Inland Revenue as a result of(a) spirit, (b) beer and (c) tobacco purchases in France by United Kingdom residents during the last 12 months. [76055]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe collection of excise duty is the responsibility of HM Customs and Excise. Customs do not publish specific estimates for purchases made in France only. Customs' most recent estimates of the revenue lost (excise duty and VAT) through cross-border shopping and cross-Channel smuggling from other EU member states, for 1997 and 1998 respectively, are given in the table.
Department to take into account the treatment of animals in the country of destination before the issuing of official non-statutory health certification. [84186]
§ Mr. RookerOfficials from both Departments have met to discuss this matter and will be meeting again this month. I am not yet in a position to report on how we plan to proceed since further discussion and consideration is needed.