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Select committee: Northern Ireland Affairs Committee

Fuel laundering and smuggling

Closed Opened 6 Jul 2011 Closed 1 Apr 2012

Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗

Inquiry scope (the committee's words)
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee inquired into fuel laundering and smuggling. There are several criminal activities associated with fuel in Northern Ireland. Fuel is smuggled across the border to exploit the differential in duty rates. Fuel is stretched by the addition of other low duty fuels such as kerosene. Fuel can also be laundered so low duty fuels such as red diesel are adulterated and passed off as a higher duty fuel. The Committee published its Third Report of Session 2010–12, Fuel laundering and smuggling in Northern Ireland (HC 1504), on 27 March 2012. A follow up evidence session was held with HMRC on 5 September 2012.

Where it stands

The inquiry is closed, opened 6 July 2011.

The committee has published 1 report, most recently 3rd Report - Fuel laundering and smuggling in Northern Ireland (Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence) on 27 March 2012.

The government's response

Published 25 June 2012.

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

HMRC's response for the Government says it "shares the Committee view" that fuel fraud is a serious problem and "agrees" that tackling organised crime, including fuel fraud, must remain a high priority.

  • On the call for HMRC to make a more concerted effort, the Government "notes the Committee's comments" and says oils fraud is a joint top priority with tobacco fraud for criminal investigation in Northern Ireland, with additional criminal investigation staff there.
  • On cross-border and UK-wide co-operation, the Government "agrees" it is "of paramount importance". It reports HMRC closed and dismantled 31 large scale laundering plants between April 2011 and March 2012.
  • On a new marker, a Memorandum of Understanding with the Irish Revenue Commissioners has been signed, but the timetable is described as "indicative" and the Government says "there can be no guarantee a better marker will be found".
  • HMRC is "exploring the scope for a voluntary pilot of a strengthened current marker in Northern Ireland starting in July". On the Committee's intention to invite HMRC and HM Treasury to appear, the Government "notes" it.

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Reports

1 report