§ Diana OrganTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce a sugar tax on soft drinks; and if he will make a statement on the use of new taxes to promote healthy eating.[160905]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Government keeps all aspects of the tax system under review. There are no current plans to introduce a 'sugar tax'.
As the Wanless Review "Securing Good Health for the Whole Population' discusses, there are difficulties of principle and practice with using tax instruments to promote public health. In particular, unlike with smoking where any consumption can have damaging effects, the consumption in moderation of most foodstuffs can be to the benefit rather than the detriment of an individual's health.