§ 44. Mr. PARKINSONasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the quantity of cider produced in Britain in 12 months to the last convenient date; and how much was used for home consumption and the quantity exported?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAAccording to the returns obtained in connection with the Census of Production taken in respect of the year 1924, the total production of cider and perry in the United Kingdom 363 in that year amounted to 6,745,000 gallons. The domestic exports in 1924 amounted to 124,000 gallons, and the retained imports to 1,114,000 gallons. The total amount available for home consumption was therefore 7,735,000 gallons. The corresponding figures from the Census of Production for 1930 will not be available until the autumn of this year. Particulars respecting cider alone are not available.
§ Mr. PIKEWill the hon. Gentleman confer with his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade with a view to seeing that this commodity pays a due tax comparable to the tax on other commodities of a like kind?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIs this not the only type of wholesome drink which is not taxed, and will not the right hon. Gentleman leave it un-taxed?