HL Deb 16 October 2001 vol 627 c82WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much of their revenue is lost annually by the illegal selling of diesel and petrol in Northern Ireland; and how many people have been charged during the last 12 months in connection with such trade. [HL737]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

Customs has no estimate of the specific revenue loss from the illegal sale of diesel and petrol in Northern Ireland. In September 2000 Customs increased fourfold the resources devoted to tackling oils fraud in Northern Ireland. In the year to end September 2001 Customs charged one individual in connection with the illegal selling of diesel and petrol. During 2000–01 Customs, through its enhanced enforcement efforts doubled the volume of illicit fuel seized; tripled the number of vehicles seized; and increased fivefold the number of laundering plants broken up.