HC Deb 20 January 1981 vol 997 cc122-3W
Sir Anthony Meyer

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the European Court of Justice to give a final judgment in the infraction proceedings against the United Kingdom in connection with the excise duties on wine and beer; and what is the position with regard to harmonisation proposals due to have been discussed at a Fiscal Council on 22 December.

Mr. Peter Rees

The Fiscal Council arranged for 22 December was cancelled and no further meeting has so far been arranged. As regards the infraction proceedings the European Court has agreed to an extension until the end of April 1981 of the time allowed for the United Kingdom and the European Commission to examine further the question of the relationship between the excise duties on wine and beer.