To ask Her Majesty's Government what impact the introduction of a policy of minimum pricing for alcoholic drinks would have on revenues to HM Treasury. [HL1227]

To ask Her Majesty's Government what amount is collected by HM Treasury from each penny of duty on a pint of beer; and what assessment they have made of the level of duty beyond which HM Treasury would begin to lose revenue. [HL1230]

A minimum pricing policy for alcoholic drinks would not be achieved through increased duties; therefore no explicit assessment has been made of the effect on revenues.

The indicative level of duty on a pint of beer is given in table 6 of the tax ready reckoner available at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/pbr09_taxreadyreckoner.pdf, as 39 pence.

No assessment has been made of the level of duty beyond which HM Treasury would begin to lose revenue.