Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the reasons are for the difference between the duty imposed on cider with alcohol content of 7.5 per cent and beer with a similar alcohol content.

There are higher duty rates on both beer and cider above 7.5 per cent alcohol by volume compared to standard strength beers and ciders. This is to encourage the production and consumption of lower strength products.

The Chancellor keeps all duty rates under review as part of the Budget process.