Question to the HM Treasury:

, To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an estimate of the potential increase in cider duty required for (a) bottled and (b) off-licence beer on licenced premises from a keg or barrel to achieve revenue neutrality by offsetting a beer duty reduction of (i) 1p per pint (ii) 5p per pint (ii) 10p per pint (iii) 50 percent and (iv) 100 percent.

The Government has consulted industry and other stakeholders on the possibility of charging different alcohol duty rates in different places as part of its Alcohol Duty Review. As noted in the call for evidence document, while beneficial to recipients, such a differential would add complexity and cost to the existing duty arrangements. The Government is now analysing the feedback received and will respond in due course.