HC Deb 28 February 2000 vol 345 cc155-6W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the correlation between the cost of extra custom officers and the extra duty paid to the Treasury on account of the consequent diminution in smuggling. [112054]

Dawn Primarolo

A variety of factors influence the level of smuggling. There is no assessment which makes a direct correlation between the cost of extra Customs staff and changes in smuggling or variations in revenue collected.

Mr. Grieve

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in respect of the re-sale to the producers by HM Customs and Excise of branded goods, seized as contraband, the average percentage of retail value achieved for each type of branded item. [112041]

Dawn Primarolo

Suppliers of UK branded spirits have a contract with Customs and Excise to purchase spirits seized in bulk. The information requested is commercial in confidence.