To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of appeals against seizure of excise goods by HM Revenue and Custom officers resulted in the restoration of goods to importers in the most recent period for which figures are available. (196986)

Between 1 April 2007 and 31 January 2008 HMRC made a total of 88,015 seizures.

Appeals against the legality of these seizures are heard by magistrates courts and information on the outcome of these appeals could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Appeals against refusals to restore goods are initially made to HMRC's impartial reviewing officers. During this period 1,883 appeals were received and 237 were successful, around 0.27 per cent. of all seizures made.