§ 20. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the yield on the tax on soft drinks during the present financial year.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe Budget estimate for the current financial year included £15 million in respect of purchase tax on soft drinks. Receipts to 31st December, 1963, amounted to about £10½ million.
§ Mr. DigbyI realise that this is a substantial contribution to the Revenue, but will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that this tax is causing a great problem for many small drinks manufacturers who provide useful employment in small towns?
§ Mr. MaudlingI have had representations from bodies representing this industry, and I am considering them, but clearly I cannot comment on them at this moment.