§ Mrs. LaitTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the reduction in excise revenue caused by the decline in popularity of alcopops in the period to March 1998. [43402]
§ Dawn PrimaroloClearances of coolers (the duty category in which alcopops fall) fell by 29 per cent. between 1996–97 and 1997–98. If one assumes duty rates as of 1 January 1997 (for both years), then this fall is equivalent to some £27m in excise revenues.
341WThe revenue loss to the Exchequer is less than this because it is likely that some consumption of alcopops has switched to other alcoholic drinks.