WINE AND BEER DUTIES: EUROPEAN COURT RULING

HL Deb 26 July 1983 vol 443 cc1522-3WA

Lord O'Hagan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How quickly they propose to put into effect the ruling of the European Court of Justice on the price of wine in the United Kingdom.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Cockfield)

The decision of the European Court on the wine and beer duties will be taken into account when the rates of excise duties are reviewed before the Budget.

Lord O'Hagan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What effect the European Court of Justice's ruling on the price of wine and beer in the United Kingdom is likely to have on the price of British cider.

Lord Cockfield

The European Court decision has no direct effect on cider. Indirect effects, if any, will be considered when the rates of excise duties are reviewed before the Budget.