Written question asked by William Ross (Ulster Unionist Party) on Thursday, 26 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 May 2001. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Thursday, 10 May 2001 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, How much revenue was obtained by seizures of smuggled road fuel in Northern Ireland during the financial year 2000-01; and what the total estimated loss in revenue from cross-border fuel smuggling in Northern Ireland was during this period. (Failed OPQ). - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. William Ross: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue was obtained by seizures of smuggled road fuel in Northern Ireland during the financial year 2000-01; and what the total estimated loss in revenue from cross-border fuel smuggling in Northern Ireland was during this period. [159894] Mr. Timms: The amount of fuel seized in 2000-01 was more than double the previous year, safeguarding revenue of over £850,000. Customs does not have an estimate for revenue lost specifically from cross-border fuel smuggling for this period, but the number of vehicles seized was tripled last year through the enhanced enforcement action, and the number of laundering plants hit rose more than fivefold.

Secondary information