§ Norman LambTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the level of cooperation between Imperial Tobacco and HM Customs and Excise on the issue of tobacco smuggling; and what recent discussions HM Customs and Excise has had with Imperial Tobacco on strategies to tackle tobacco smuggling. [91576]
§ John HealeyHM Customs and Excise have regular meetings with each of the major UK tobacco manufacturers.
The Government are giving careful consideration to the recent report on tobacco smuggling from the Committee of Public Accounts and will include in their response to the Committee details of the present level of co-operation between Imperial Tobacco and Customs and Excise.