Written question asked by John M Taylor (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 December 2000. It was answered by Charles Clarke (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 December 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the impact of illegally imported beer on levels of crime and disorder.

Answer: Mr. John M. Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of illegally imported beer on levels of crime and disorder. [142830] Mr. Charles Clarke: We do not know precisely the extent to which illegally imported beer is a factor in other crime, but we do know that alcohol misuse generally is often associated with crime and disorder. It is likely that illegally imported alcohol, including beer, will play a part in some cases, particularly where the alcohol ends up in the hands of under-age drinkers. The illegal importation of beer and other alcohol is primarily a matter for Her Majesty's Customs and Excise. It is an issue that will be addressed further within the overall context of the Home Department action plan on alcohol-related crime. This set out a forward programme to address all aspects of alcohol-related crime and disorder, including the problems associated with under-age drinking.

Secondary information