HC Deb 14 February 1990 vol 167 cc296-7W
Mr. William Ross

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table in theOfficial Report to show the tax paid on a pack of 20 cigarettes in each EEC country as a percentage of the total price and the average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes in each country; and what were the figures five years ago.

Mr. Ryder

The figures for current and 1985 taxation and price levels of a pack of 20 cigarettes in each EC country are as follows:

RSP2 Factor3 cost Total duty VAT Total tax Total tax as percentage of RSP
(pence) (pence) (pence) (pence) (pence)
Netherlands 108 32 59 17 76 70
Portugal 60 15 36 9 45 75
Spain 57 25 26 6 32 56
United Kingdom 161 43 97 21 118 73
1 Rates of exchange as at 12 February 1990.
2 Retail selling price.
3 Cost exclusive of duty and VAT.

Source: EC excise duty tables.

Excise duty and VAT on 20 cigarettes in the most popular price category: as at 27 February 1985
RSP Factor cost Total duty VAT Total lax Total tax as percentage of RSP
(pence) (pence) (pence) (pence) (pence)
Belgium 69 20 45 4 49 71
Denmark 175 22 121.5 31.5 153 87
France 43 11 21 11 32 74
Germany 102 26 63.5 12.5 76 74.5
Greece 26 10 15 1 16 261.5
Ireland 140 36 78 26 104 74
Italy 57 16 32 9 41 72
Luxembourg 53 18 32 3 35 66
Netherlands 88 26 48 14 62 70
United Kingdom 127 34 76.5 16.5 93 73
1 Greece had not yet introduced VAT in 1985.
2 Includes sales tax.