DUTY EXEMPTION FOR SMALL-SCALE CIDER PRODUCERS

That this House recognises and values the social and economic contribution of small-scale cider producers, which comprise some 80 per cent of Britain's individual cider makers, believing that they are integral to a great British tradition, supporting a lively pub culture and tourism sector; is concerned that small cider producers are threatened by the European Commission's demand to remove their historic exemption from excise duty, thereby exposing them to a punitive and potentially damaging tax; considers that this action could drive many producers out of business and undermine one of the nation's most historic industries; and therefore urges the Government to reject the European Commission's request and maintain the current position.