Clause 4 — Duty Stamps for Spirits Etc

Part of Orders of the Day — Finance Bill — [1st Allotted Day] – in the House of Commons at 12:46 pm on 27 April 2004.

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Photo of John Healey John Healey The Economic Secretary to the Treasury 12:46, 27 April 2004

Having read the Scottish Affairs Committee's report, I am aware of the description that the hon. Gentleman cites. I have chosen to use the phrase "duty stamps", and I am aware that the Committee is interested in the idea of incorporating what is essentially a duty stamp into the labels on bottles. We are prepared to consider it, but I should caution Members that there are a number of fundamental flaws with such an approach. I do not want to raise hopes unnecessarily, but equally, I certainly would not rule it out. It is one of the useful ideas in the Select Committee's report, and we will give further consideration to it.