Beer Duty Escalator

Neil Carmichael Excerpts

Monday 2nd July 2012 Commons Chamber

[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.

[Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con)]

rose—

[Gavin Williamson]

Over the last eight years there has been a 50% increase in beer duty but only a 10% increase in revenues from that duty. That is a great concern.

[Neil Carmichael]

rose—

[Gavin Williamson]

My hon. Friend is bobbing up and down, so I had best give way to him.

[Neil Carmichael]

We are talking here about small and medium-sized businesses—businesses that employ some 1,600 people in my constituency. My four breweries are very successful small businesses, but they could do with some help in respect of this policy.

[Gavin Williamson]

All the Members who have intervened have made the most wonderful points, and my hon. Friend certainly has not disappointed in that regard. I am a little disappointed, however, that he did not mention his four breweries for a potential future press release.