Treasury written question – answered am ar 9 Chwefror 2024.
Andrew Bridgen
Reclaim, North West Leicestershire
To ask the Chancellor of the exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of including representatives of the police on the Illicit Tobacco Taskforce.
Gareth Davies
The Exchequer Secretary
Although HMRC works with the police where appropriate, it is the lead law enforcement agency on tobacco fraud. HMRC has its own powers to conduct criminal investigations, make arrests and seek prosecution (via the Crown Prosecution Service).
The initial members of the taskforce will play a lead role in tackling tobacco fraud, but will also work with all law enforcement and intelligence agencies where appropriate. As the taskforce develops, the Government will regularly review the need to bring in other partners.
Yes6 people think so
No1 person thinks not
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The chancellor of the exchequer is the government's chief financial minister and as such is responsible for raising government revenue through taxation or borrowing and for controlling overall government spending.
The chancellor's plans for the economy are delivered to the House of Commons every year in the Budget speech.
The chancellor is the most senior figure at the Treasury, even though the prime minister holds an additional title of 'First Lord of the Treasury'. He normally resides at Number 11 Downing Street.
