§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reconsider the Government's position on beer excise duty; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe Government's position with respect to the excise duty on beer and other alcoholic drinks was made clear in my right hon. and learned Friend's Budget statement and in his further statement to the House. The increase in duty which took effect from 1 January 1995 resulted from the decision to leave the rate of VAT on domestic fuel and power at 8 per cent.
§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from Yorkshire brewers regarding the excise duty on beer.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryRepresentations have been received from the Yorkshire Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association.
§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research his Department has carried out into the effects of maintaining a higher level of duty on beer in the United Kingdom than in other European Union member states.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryHM Customs and Excise has considered the effects of the differing level of beer duty among EU member states, the impact these have had on UK production and revenue receipts, the findings of consultants engaged by the European Commission and the various representations made by trade and other bodies.