The Government recently decided to advertise, on English-language TV, the penalties for selling illegal diesel - a $25,000 fine and up to 24 months in jail.

Before it continues to waste taxpayers' dollars in this way, the officials responsible should read the May 8 edition of The Economist about 'Cross Channel bootlegging', that is, smuggling activities across the English Channel.

The article says that the big profits available have attracted organised crime syndicates which regard smuggling alcohol and tobacco into Britain as safer than drug peddling. Despite giving huge sums to customs and excise, the UK authorities admit detecting only a tiny percentage of this illicit trade.