"Taxation is not just about income tax, but about VAT. Is that not perhaps the most unfair tax on those at the bottom of the pile?..." Brian H. Donohoe - View Speech
"Following that answer, will the Chancellor tell us how many firms have actually been helped by the business investment bank?..." Brian H. Donohoe - View Speech
"One reason behind pub closures is the high taxation on spirits in general and on Scotch whisky in particular. Given that spirits and Scotch whisky account for 40% of the sales in pubs, and that the level of taxation continues to escalate, should not the Government look more closely at …..." Brian H. Donohoe - View Speech
"I used to run a licensed premises myself, so I understand what the hon. Gentleman is saying, but he has not really addressed the issue before us today. Why are so many pubs closing? Why, in his opinion, is that happening?..." Brian H. Donohoe - View Speech
"I recall a previous debate on beer, which I think was led by the hon. Gentleman. I made an intervention on that occasion to ask about whisky and other spirits. It is now known that spirits account for 40% of the sales in pubs, so would he include them in …..." Brian H. Donohoe - View Speech
"As my hon. Friend was a pub licensee, he will know that in a tied pub it is not only beer prices that are tied but the spirits and everything else that is sold. I know that from my own experience...." Brian H. Donohoe - View Speech
"Today’s Glasgow Herald reports that the fine will go up to £20,000 from where it is today. Surely, that is not nearly enough, given that hundreds of thousands of people are not even paid the very minimum wage of £6.31 an hour...." Brian H. Donohoe - View Speech