To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps HM Revenue and Customs are taking to prevent alcohol duty fraud in the supply chain. (309533)

[holding answer 7 January 2010]: The Chancellor announced at Budget 2009 the revised ‘tackling alcohol fraud’ strategy which has three principal themes:

Strengthening our operational responses;

Reducing opportunities for fraud;

Closing off illicit supply chains.

HMRC is making good progress on all three strands of this strategy. The regulatory framework is being strengthened to reduce opportunities for fraud; the new operational model for HMRC to respond to fraud using new approaches and the full range of HMRC's powers is on track to be implemented from April 2010; and HMRC is working with the large brewers and wholesale buying groups on developing practical measures to close off illicit supply chains by restricting the availability of illicit alcohol to fraudsters.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what investigations HM Revenue and Customs are conducting into illicit alcohol supply chains. (309535)

[holding answer 7 January 2010]: Investigations HM Revenue and Customs are conducting into illicit alcohol supply chains are a confidential matter. The results of investigations into alcohol fraud are published annually in HMRC's Departmental Autumn Performance Report copies of which are available on HMRC's internet site.