Alcohol

Lord Monson
asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 1 April (WA 145), whether their policy of imposing excise duty on strong cider (7 per cent alcohol by volume) at less than 29 per cent of the rate imposed on beer of a similar strength is consistent with their desire to curb alcohol abuse. [HL3199]

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

The increases in alcohol duty announced in the Budget will raise revenue to ensure we can continue to tackle child poverty and help pensioners.