DIFFERENTIAL RATE OF DUTY ON DRAUGHT BEER

That this House notes that the European excise directives preclude the introduction of differential rates of duty on draught versus canned and bottled beer; further notes with interest that the European Commission is preparing to consider, during 2009, ideas for the revision of the directives in 2010; is especially pleased that the European Commission has indicated that it is open to any novel and constructive suggestions for their improvement; and urges the Government to promote the removal of the present prohibition on such differential taxation to the European Commission and to other Member States.