To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in order to help curb alcohol abuse by young people, they will consider trebling the excise duty on strong cider so as to bring it broadly into line with the excise duty on beer of a similar strength. [HL5624]

The Government take the problems associated with alcohol misuse seriously. The Government published their alcohol strategy Safe, Sensible, Social in June 2007. This commits all departments to work together to address a society-wide problem.

The primary purpose of alcohol duty is to raise revenue, not to tackle problem drinking. Decisions on alcohol duty rates are made by the Chancellor as part of the Budget process.