HC Deb 22 March 1960 vol 620 cc207-8
11. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the duty on imports of heavy wines is approximately three times the rate of duty imposed on light wines.

Mr. Amory

Because that is the rate which was approved by Parliament in the Finance Act of 1958.

Mr. Johnson

May I ask my right hon. Friend, despite that, if he will consider reverting to the old practice under which the duty on imported wines was based on alcoholic strength? Is it not a fact that the heavy wines have an alcoholic strength of twice, not three times, that of light wines? Will he revert to the old system?

Mr. Amory

I will take note, as I always do, with great care of the observations of my hon. Friend.