§ 47. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement on the incidence of the 15 per cent. import surcharge upon each bottle imported of cheaper and top quality wines, respectively.
§ Mr. MacDermotThe incidence of the surcharge on the import of cheaper wines, as was indicated by my right hon. Friend the Minister without Portfolio during the Committee stage of the Finance Bill will not generally be more than a few pence. Top quality wines are generally held for longer periods before sale to the consumer. There is, therefore, more scope for staggering imports of these wines and for absorbing a temporary charge.