Lords scrutinises EU strategy on tobacco smuggling
In the second evidence session of its enhanced scrutiny of the EU's strategy against illicit tobacco smuggling, the House of Lords Home Affairs, Health and Education EU-Sub Committee will question officials from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on Wednesday 24 July.
At 11am, the Committee will hear from the following HMRC officials:
- Donald Toon, Director of Criminal Investigation; and
- Andy Leggett, Deputy Director for Indirect Tax.
The witnesses are likely to face questions including:
- Does the proposed EU cigarette smuggling strategy complement the UK's domestic strategy, or run to contrary to it, in any way?
- Do you believe the UK's comparatively high level of taxation makes it more attractive as a market for illicit tobacco?
- What effect do you think the economic crisis has had on the smuggling of illicit tobacco in the EU and in the UK?
- What role is HMRC playing in shaping the UK's negotiating position on the proposed Tobacco Products Directive?
- What is your opinion about the introduction of plain packaging for tobacco products, including any impact on the production of counterfeit goods?
The evidence session will take place on Wednesday 24 July at 11.00am in Committee Room 3.
The session will be webcast at www.parliamentlive.tv and is also open to the public. Journalists wishing to attend should go to Parliament's Cromwell Green Entrance and should allow time for security screening.
