§ Mr. Gwilym Roberts asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy in the planned negotiations with other Finance Ministers of the European Economic Community to resist any attempts to harmonise the British taxation on beer with that on wine; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyne:A Council of Ministers meeting was held on 21 October to consider a package of measures concerning the harmonisation of the structure of excise duties on alcoholic drinks. No agreement was reached, and there are no plans for a further meeting.