§ Lord O'HAGANasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the introduction of a tax on the sale of cider was intended to 1438WA bring the production of farm house cider to an end; and, if not, whether they will now raise the limit below which cidermaking is exempt from taxation.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk)No. On the contrary, the exemption limit of 1,500 gallons of cider produced in any 12 months for sale was intended to preserve the production of farm house cider without prejudicing the interests of larger producers. If the noble Lord has any evidence that the introduction of the excise duty has had a harmful effect on farm house producers, I can assure him that it will be fully considered.