Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to support (a) small cider producers and (b) microbreweries in the UK.

The government recognises the important contribution made by small cider makers and microbrewers in helping to create a diverse and vibrant alcohol market that increases consumer choice.

Small Brewers’ Relief supports microbreweries by reducing their beer duty rate by up to 50 per cent. EU law explicitly allows member states to support microbrewers through the duty regime.

The UK is discussing reforms to EU law with the EU Commission and other member states, so that it explicitly allows member states to support small cider makers through the duty regime. The government is also looking at alternatives that could apply. The government will work with industry on both of these. As announced at Summer Budget 2015, the government will retain the current duty exemption for small cider producers until and unless a replacement scheme is established.