HC Deb 12 April 1943 vol 388 c971

On beer, I propose to raise the duty by an amount which will represent one penny per pint on the retail price of draught beer of the present average gravity. On the high gravity beers the increase will exceed this figure, and prices of these must be expected to rise by more than a penny per pint. At the same time there will be a further increase, not to be passed on to the consumer, related to changes in the cost of brewing materials during the coming year, and this will require a further consequential adjustment next year. Particulars of the new rates will be found in the Financial Statement. The total yield of the increases, which will come into effect to-morrow, is estimated at £33,000,000 in a full year and £28,500,000 this year.

On spirits, which continue to be in such short supply that prices have failed to effect an equilibrium with the demand, I propose an addition of £1 per proof gallon, equivalent to 2s. 4d. per ordinary bottle of whisky or other spirits, counting six bottles to the gallon at a strength of 30 degrees under proof. This increase in duty also dates from to-morrow and is estimated to produce not quite £9,000,000 in a full year and over £8,000,000 this, year.

Together with the increases in the Beer and Spirit duties, I propose, also, to raise the duty on imported wines and on British wine. Both these groups are in short supply, faced with an unsatisfied demand. The main increase will be 3s. per gallon on light wines, including British wines, and 6s. per gallon on heavy wines. Full details will be shown in the White Paper. The increases will date as from to-morrow and are estimated to yield rather less than £1,000,000 in a full year and £800,000 this year.

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