§ 14. Mr. Stodartasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the increased number of proof gallons of immature whisky which were exported from this country in 1963, he will take steps to prevent whisky, which cannot for good reasons be legally sold in this country, from being sent to markets abroad.
§ Mr. JayNo, Sir. Most of the immature whisky exported from this country goes to Sweden, where it is matured locally.
§ Mr. StodartIs the President of the Board of Trade aware that, quite apart from exports to Sweden, exports of immature whisky to countries such as the United States, the Netherlands and West Germany have been increasing steadily and substantially during the past three years? Does he know that in West Germany there is a brand the label of which bears the caption,
Glen Rankin—Whisky specially blended for Members of the British House of Commons in the Carlton Club"?In view of what, I am sure, is the right hon. Gentleman's appreciation of a splendid beverage and of a very precious export, will he take steps to see that the value of this export is not diminished by immature products?
§ Mr. JayI am advised that exports of Scotch whisky are going from strength to strength. Eighty per cent. of the immature whisky goes to Sweden, where there is a State monopoly, which might or might not be supported in the Carlton Club. The essential point is that we should try, as we do, to persuade other countries to restrain their nationals from selling whisky under the label of "Scotch whisky" if it is, in fact, produced elsewhere. Even if we were to ban all exports of immature whisky, without such regulations it would still be possible in these countries to sell immature whisky from other sources as Scotch whisky.
§ Mr. StodartIn view of what I am sorry to regard as an unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.