§ 2. Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many hectolitres of Welsh wine have been produced in each of the last three years and from how many vineyards.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Sir Wyn Roberts)One hundred and thirty one hectolitres were produced from 10 vineyards in Wales in 1989; 202 from 13 vineyards in 1990; and 147 hectolitres from 16 vineyards in 1991.
§ Mr. SteenAs I know the Secretary of State enjoys the odd glass of Welsh wine, whether at home or in his office, will the Minister explain why the Government seem to discriminate against Welsh wine and Scotch whisky in their taxation regime? A bottle of English or Welsh wine is subject to 98p tax, whereas a bottle of French wine is taxed at only 2.2p. Is the Minister aware that Rovral, a poison not allowed to be used on Welsh vines because of its content, is allowed to be used in France and that we import French wine without asking questions? Finally, why do not the EC rules and regulations allow us to use the word "Welsh" on the labels of wine made in Wales?
§ Sir Wyn RobertsMy hon. Friend will be well aware that taxation matters, to do with either whisky or wine, are for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I am glad that my hon. Friend has drawn attention to the fact that we have some excellent Welsh wines. I gather that none of them is a quality wine because we do not have enough sweet reserve—and looking at the faces opposite me, I am not surprised.