§ LORD MONTAGU OF BEAULIEUMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they consider it fair and equitable that excise duty levied on wine produced from grapes grown in the British Isles should be the same as that levied on fortified wine made from imported must.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, DEPARTMENT of HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY (LORD ABERDARE)My Lords, the present duty structure does not discriminate against British wine made from British grapes; and, further, comparison has to be made not only with other British light wine, whether fortified or not, but also with imported light wine.
§ LORD MONTAGU OF BEAULIEUMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that Answer. Is he aware that the wine producers who grow grapes in this country feel very hard done by, and consider that they have a good case in trying to make what is not a very viable business in this country a little more viable?
§ LORD ABERDAREYes, my Lords. I am aware that they feel hard done by, although the fact that they pay less duty than Commonwealth or foreign wine imported seems to me to be to their advantage. However, I know that the English Vineyards Association have brought their case to the notice of Treasury Ministers, and it will be considered. But, of course, that is a matter for the Budget.