TOBACCO TAX

Early day motion 277, tabled 4 December 2002 by John Cummings (Labour). Signed by 30 members.

That this House notes with dismay that despite recent increases in cross channel tobacco allowances and efforts to improve the effectiveness of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, the smuggling of tobacco products into the United Kingdom continues at such a seriously high level that 21 per cent. of all cigarettes purchased in the United Kingdom have entered the country illegally; further notes that the influx of illegal tobacco is threatening the jobs of workers in the British tobacco manufacturing industry, is resulting in the average independent retailer losing over ú50,000 per annum in tobacco sales and is depriving Her Majesty's Treasury of ú10 million in unpaid duties every day; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to accept that until United Kingdom tobacco tax levels are brought more into line with those of our European partners smuggling-related crime will rise, more independent retailers will be forced to close and jobs in the tobacco manufacturing industry will continue to be under threat.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, UUP 4, Liberal Democrat 3, Conservative 2, DUP 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.