SEIZURE OF PRIVATE VEHICLES BY CUSTOMS AND EXCISE

Early day motion 480, tabled 26 November 2001 by Sue Doughty (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 41 members.

That this House notes that there has been a substantial increase in the amount of cigarettes and tobacco brought into the country for onward sale and in the loss of income on duty of those goods; but notes also that Her Majesty's Customs and Excise has been strongly criticised by the European Commission for its treatment of British travellers bringing back cigarettes and rolling tobacco for personal use, that the London VAT and Duties Tribunal has found against the Government in a test case on Customs and Excise seizures of vehicles returning from the United Kingdom with alcohol and cigarettes over the EU guidelines and that the guidelines have no basis in law; further notes that the penalties imposed on British travellers such as the disposal of a car worth ú8,000 for alleged infringements is totally disproportionate to unpaid duty and that the actions of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise appear to be completely out of control; and calls upon the Government urgently to review the workings and legal powers of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise to ensure that travellers are treated justly and that Her Majesty's Customs and Excise can then concentrate on the major problems of professional smugglers of drugs and of duty bearing goods.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 22, Labour 18, Plaid Cymru 1.