Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what his policy is on duty exemption for small-scale producers; and what he took of EU directives when forming that policy.

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. Small cider makers are a traditional part of rural economies who help create a diverse and vibrant cider market and the government is committed to maintaining support for the industry.

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.