§ 43. Mr. KINGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that cider is regarded as a temperance beverage, is not subject to Excise Duties, and provides the best substitute for intoxicating drinks, steps are being taken to increase the amount, improve the quality, and promote the use of home-produced eider?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Harry Verney)I cannot commit myself to the assumption contained in the preamble to the hon. Member's question. I may say, however, that Grants are made by the Board and from the Development Fund for the encouragement of the best methods of cider production, while by proceedings I under the Merchandise Marks Acts and otherwise the Board safeguard genuine cider from the competition of spurious ciders, thus encouraging the manufacture and use of the beverage.
§ Sir H. VERNEYI am not quite sure how far it is to be regarded as a temperance remedy.
§ Sir GEORGE YOUNGERMay I ask whether as a matter of fact cider does not contain more spirit than the average beer?
§ Sir H. VERNEYI am informed that that is so.
§ Mr. KINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is no adulteration in connection with cider, but that there is with, beer?