Infrastructure spending did increase, but it was more than fully funded by higher taxes, largely the new alcohol tax.

In the 19th century alcohol tax and stamp duty were important sources of revenue.

Alcohol taxes have been cut repeatedly in real terms.

Alcohol taxes are set to increase a further 2 per cent a year over four years; that will put 5p on a pint this year.

The decline has been blamed on a mixture of high alcohol taxes, the smoking ban, business rate rises and changing cultural habits.