To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to amend the rate of alcohol duty consequent on the return of the rate of value added tax to 17.5 per cent.; and if he will make a statement. (301663)

The 2008 pre-Budget report announced that the increases made to alcohol duties will be maintained when the standard rate of VAT is returned to 17.5 per cent. in January 2010 to help fiscal consolidation. The 2009 pre-Budget confirmed this announcement.