§ 56 and 68. Lord APSLEYasked (1) the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can estimate the probable loss of revenue to the Exchequer from a total remission of the beer duty applied to beer brewed in the United Kingdom from ingredients, including malting barley, grown entirely in the United Kingdom in the next financial year;
(2) the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can estimate the loss to the Treasury of revenue that would be caused by the remission of the beer tax on beer brewed in the United Kingdom from malting barley and hops grown in the United Kingdom?
§ Major ELLIOTIt would not be possible to frame any reliable estimate, but I must point out that quite apart from the loss of revenue I fear that any such proposal would be impracticable in view of our obligations under commercial treaties.
§ 62. Mr. LYONSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider introducing legislation to require the gravity of beer to be indicated on every cask and barrel and on every invoice relating thereto?
§ Major ELLIOTI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 28th April to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Pontefract (Captain Sotheron-Estcourt).
§ Captain SOTHERON-ESTCOURTCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman indicate to which Department this question should be addressed?
§ Major ELLIOTI am afraid that it might create trouble if I indicated what Department I thought ought to do some particular piece of work.