Mr Beale said that the latest rise means that consumers will have seen wine duty increase by 50% and spirits duty by 44% since the escalator was introduced in 2008.

BBC: Budget 2013: Beer down 1p as planned 3p duty rise axed

The Commons committee also called for sharp increases in the duty on spirits - including Scotch whisky.

BBC: Commons committee backs minimum alcohol pricing

Cutting duty on beer while increasing it on spirits punishes the UK spirits industry for its success in this harsh economic climate.

BBC: Budget 2013: Beer down 1p as planned 3p duty rise axed