CONCERNS have been raised about the Government's extraordinary decision to implement a massive tax rise on cider. Cider groups are arguing that the new tax could mean a pint of cider rising by some 10p a pint.

Kevin Davis, the Conservative Prospective MP for Yeovil said: "This increase is extraordinary. I can accept that we need to do something about raising taxes for those cheap, powerful ciders that have hardly had an apple come near them, but to raise the taxes on what is for many an artisan industry is ludicrous.

"I dropped in on Bridge Farm in East Chinnock and bought some cider, but there was real concern there that whilst this rise was unwelcome it said a great deal about the attitude of this Government to small businesses."

Kevin continued: "It was clear when talking to people on the streets of Yeovil that this issue is one that really hits home with Somerset people. It is not the tax in itself but the signal it sends out about the attitude of the Labour Government to the Westcountry.

"This is yet more evidence that it is Time for Change."