Beer Duty Escalator

Debate between Gavin Williamson and Andrew Griffiths

Monday 2nd July 2012 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

My hon. Friend has made a valid point. Not only is everyone in South Staffordshire rooting for the ending of the beer duty escalator, but so are those in the great county town of Worcester. Obviously their pubs are not as fantastic as those in South Staffordshire, but we all have our crosses to bear in life.

We recognise that the Government face a great challenge. It is not easy to do what they are doing, and Treasury Ministers carry a burden on their shoulders that I am sure none of us on the Back Benches would wish to carry.

[Andrew Griffiths (Burton) (Con)]

As chairman of the all-party group on beer, I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate. I am sure he agrees with me that the packed Benches at almost midnight show the strength of feeling in this House in support of Britain’s brewing industry. Does he share my shock that British brewers are paying half their income in tax to the Treasury, yet the future of the industry is at a critical point? Does he agree we can save jobs and pubs if we cut the duty on beer?

[Gavin Williamson]

As always, my hon. Friend and fellow Staffordshire Member of Parliament makes an excellent point. We want to encourage investment by our brewers into this vital industry and into our pubs.