HL Deb 16 June 1978 vol 393 cc804-6WA
Lord O'HAGAN

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many farmhouse cider makers have stopped production since the introduction of cider tax.

Baroness BIRK

A total of 54 cider makers have registered for the purposes of cider duty since its introduction in September 1976. Of these only one who could be described as a farmhouse cider maker has since asked for his registration to be cancelled. In addition one farmhouse cider maker has sold his business as a going concern.

Lord O'HAGAN

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many farmhouse cider makers are now producing in each county, and how much cider is produced in each annually.

Baroness BIRK

The records kept are not divided into county totals and do not differentiate between farmhouse cider makers and other producers. There were 31 registered cider makers who each paid duty on less than 20,000 gallons in the year ended 31st March 1978. The total quantity on which they paid duty was about 207,000 gallons.

House adjourned at twelve minutes past five o'clock.