HC Deb 27 May 1909 vol 5 c1467W
Mr. JAMES HOPE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why non-alcoholic spruce is subject to the same Excise Duty as alcoholic spruce?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

Spruce beer, or black beer, made in this country, is chargeable with Excise Duty as "beer" under the Inland Revenue Act., 1880. The duty is in all cases charged on a specific gravity, and not on an alcoholic basis.