HMRC handed new powers to open mail
Powers aimed at combating tobacco smuggling
HMRC will be handed new powers to open mail without notifying the addressee,
the
Daily Telegraph reports.
The new measure is aimed at cracking down on tobacco smuggling, but will have
far wider applications, a HMRC spokesman told the newspaper.
The move marks a change from he existing rules, which allow tax inspectors to
open suspicious packages and letters in the presence of the addressee.
“HMRC will no longer be required to notify the addressee and invite them to
attend before such packets can be opened”, the spokesman said.
Read the full
story:Budget
2010: HMRC officers to get powers to open people’s post without asking
permission