§ Mr. Rifkindasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement on the discussions that were promised with the wine and spirit industry on the deferment of excise duty; and what action he proposes to take as a result of these discussions.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonCustoms and Excise have held a number of meetings with representatives of the industry at 251W which the practical implications of deferring the excise duties on wines and spirits were examined: no major practical problems were identified. The Government's views on the matter will be made known when New Clause No. 5 to the Finance Bill is debated in Committee of the whole House.