HC Deb 10 March 2003 vol 401 c26W
Mr. Stephen O'Brien

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the rate of prosecution for tax evasion. [102012]

Dawn Primarolo

The Revenue tackle fraud, error and avoidance using civil investigation and settlement, and applying financial penalties where appropriate. The Revenue also operates a selective prosecution policy intended to bolster the overall enforcement strategy. The focus is on cases where prosecution will do the most to promote compliance by deterring tax, contribution and tax credit fraud.

Statistics on prosecutions and convictions by the Inland Revenue are published each year in their Annual Reports, copies of which are available in the House Library.

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