Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had recent discussions with HMRC on tackling the illicit tobacco trade.

There have been, and will continue to be, discussions between HMT Ministers and HMRC officials on a range of issues including tackling the illicit tobacco trade.

The government is committed to tackling illicit tobacco which has significant negative impacts on the economy, public health, legitimate businesses, and overall public safety. It cheats the Exchequer of revenues and blunts the effectiveness of tobacco duty as a tool to reduce smoking.