asked the Minister for Finance for each of the years 1985 to 1987 inclusive the total value of uncustomed goods seized by officers of Customs and Excise; the amount of money realised in each of those years from the disposal of seized goods; the amount of duties paid by persons from whom such seizures were made; the cost of providing pounds or other premises for the storage of such goods; the number and location of such premises; and if he has any plans to provide further premises for the purpose.
Written Answers. - Customs and Excise Operations.
14.
The statistical information requested, so far as it is available, is in the form of a tabular statement and I propose to circulate it in the Official Report.
Statement.
|
Year |
Estimated value of seizures of uncustomed goods(a) |
Monies realised from sales of seized goods |
Monies paid by persons as compromise sums(b) |
Cost of providing premises for storage of seized goods |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
1985 |
3.5m |
362,253 |
994,717 |
142,399 |
|
1986 |
5.0m |
232,391 |
1,021,809 |
114,024 |
|
1987 |
6.0m |
361,774 |
1,190,416 |
101,841 |
(a) The bulk of all seized goods are subsequently released on payment of a compromise sum. In general, goods which are prohibited to be imported are destroyed.
(b) The question of payment of duty does not arise where uncustomed goods are seized. However, in fixing the amount of the compromise sum payable for release of goods account is taken of the duties which would have been payable had the goods been properly declared to Customs at importation.
With regard to the storage of seized goods, eighteen premises at various locations throughout the State are used specifically for this purpose on an ongoing basis. Other premises are rented on a short-term basis where existing premises are inadequate because of the nature or quantity of the seized goods. The lease on one particular premises is due to expire shortly and the Office of Public Works is seeking alternative premises.