Written question asked by Jackie Lawrence (Labour) on Thursday, 5 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 June 2003. It was answered by John Healey (Labour) on Thursday, 12 June 2003 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans there are for further co-operative working between the Customs and Excise departments of the UK and Eire; what meetings have taken place in the last two years between the Customs and Excise Service of the Republic of Ireland and the UK Customs and Excise concerning co-operative working to tackle (a) drugs smuggling, (b) cigarette smuggling, (c) oil smuggling and (d) illegal immigration.

Answer: Mrs. Lawrence: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what plans there are for further co- operative working between the Customs and Excise departments of the UK and Eire; [118538] (2) what meetings have taken place in the last two years between the Customs and Excise Service of the Republic of Ireland and the UK Customs and Excise concerning co-operative working to tackle (a) drugs smuggling, (b) cigarette smuggling, (c) oil smuggling and (d) illegal immigration. [118539] John Healey: Customs work closely with the Republic of Ireland (as well as other member states) on a number of issues and meet with them regularly, both bilaterally and as part of larger meetings. These meetings take place at both the high level to discuss strategic plans for future working and also at operational levels to discuss specific cases. There is consequently a regular flow of information between UK Customs and Excise and their Republic of Ireland counterparts in relation to suspect drug consignments and cash related movements, cigarette smuggling and oils smuggling. Illegal immigration is not an assigned matter for either Service.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 406 c980W;406 c984W; 118538;118539
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Customs and Excise Cooperation Customs Drugs Undocumented migrants Petrol Republic of Ireland Tobacco Smuggling
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk