HC Deb 12 March 2001 vol 364 cc426-7W
Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on which date he last met representatives of the retail petrol industry in Northern Ireland to discuss the smuggling of motor fuel products into Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [153427]

Dr. Reid

My right hon. Friend the Minister of State met with representatives of the petroleum industry on Monday 5 March 2001. The purpose of the meeting was to hear the industry's concerns in relation to fuel smuggling into Northern Ireland. This criminal activity is being pursued with the utmost vigour. During the period April to September 2000, fuel to the value of £1.3 million was seized. Also, during the course of last year, 13 laundering plants with an estimated annual production in excess of 40 million litres of fuel were dismantled.

Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the dates in 2001 on which he or his officials have held discussions with his counterparts in the Irish Republic on the smuggling of motor fuel products into Northern Ireland. [153424]

Dr. Reid

My officials were due to meet with their Republic of Ireland counterparts on Friday 2 March 2001 to discuss fuel smuggling. The foot and mouth crisis prohibited that meeting from taking place and a new date has been set for the end of March.