§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress towards introducing a system of progressive beer duty. [22912]
§ Mr. BoatengThe Government have announced that they are minded to introduce a reduced rate of duty on the beer produced by small breweries. Customs and Excise are consulting with the main brewers' representatives. A decision will be announced in Budget 2002.