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Organised Crime (Northern Ireland)

The Minister used a phrase about changing the mindset of criminals in Northern Ireland, and that is important. However, England has a similar problem, which is partly brought about by the high rate of tax on tobacco, alcohol and fuel. That is not a criticism of the Government, because the rate would probably have been the same under a Conservative Government. However, the rate encourages people to deal illegally in those products. The Minister may say that they are bad products, which should be taxed heavily. However, the rate is creating a problem. One in four cigarettes in England are brought in illegally, so there is a big problem generally. The problem is bigger in Northern Ireland, because the money is used to fund terrorism and other illegal activities. However, as a country, must not we reconsider our tax regime on such products?