EXCHEQUER REVENUES AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Early day motion 949, tabled 9 March 1998 by Lord Cotter (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 45 members.

That this House expresses concern at the substantial loss of Exchequer revenue and loss of sales through approved retail outlets of tobacco products owing to the wide disparity of duty between the United Kingdom and other members of the European Community; further notes that there is a great concern that warehouses are open in many cases for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, supplying such products on the continent which are then sold in many cases through unauthorised means in the United Kingdom, thus avoiding duty and legitimate turnover for recognised retail outlets; believes that the duty lost could be used for funding the NHS for example, and sales through retail outlets would help to stem the rate of closures of small shops and businesses; and urges the Government to take steps to reduce this trade by employing more customs officers, having a stronger computerised follow-up system, and promoting more international co-operation.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 32, Labour 10, Labour/Co-operative 2, UUP 1.