HL Deb 01 February 1988 vol 492 cc827-8

2.43 p.m.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied that action is being taken expeditiously to comply with the GATT ruling on the ending of tax discrimination against imports into Japan of whisky from Scotland.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Lord Brabazon of Tara)

My Lords, I welcome the recent forthright decision by the GATT Council calling on Japan to remove tax discrimination on imported alcoholic drinks. The Japanese authorities have announced their intention to introduce reforms in response to the GATT recommendations. Together with the European Commission, we shall continue to press for the full implementation of these recommendations at the earliest possible date.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for that satisfactory reply. While the Japanese announcement was welcome, does my noble friend agree that the proposal or the method which the Japanese authorities indicated they will follow is likely to cause unnecessary delay? Does he agree that the Japanese people, having acquired a taste for Scotch whisky, should be allowed the benefit of enjoying this delectable beverage, of course taken in moderation.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I quite agree with my noble friend's remarks. As regards the Japanese, it might be even better if they took it in excess! We are encouraged by the assurances given by Japan, but we are not complacent; that is why we are pressing to ensure that action is as full and as early as possible.

Lord Bruce of Donington

My Lords, are we to understand that the European Commission is being entrusted with the task of monitoring the progress made by Japan in this connection? Or is it still the case that Her Majesty's Government, who are associated with GATT, retain the right to monitor progress in this matter and if necessary to make completely independent representations to Japan? This might he as distinct from the more general case presented by the EC.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, we shall both monitor the results of this case, but it was the EC who mounted the successful GATT case against Japan. That is not to say that the Government do not take the matter extremely seriously as well. My right honourable and learned friend the Foreign Secretary, who visited Japan recently, received an assurance from the Japanese Foreign Minister that details of the proposed reforms would he available later this year.