§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make 189W a statement on the increased marketing of blended Japanese whisky containing malt Scotch whisky, in Australia, and the effect of this on this important future and present market for Scotch whisky.
§ Mr. MeacherI understand that sales of Japanese whisky in Australia are growing, but are still very small, and that some of this whisky may contain malt which has been exported from the United Kingdom to Japan. During the period January to May 1978 Japan exported to Australia 43,500 litres of whisky compared with United Kingdom Scotch exports of 7.8 million litres—converted from 1.28 million proof gallons. This export trade is amongst the matters being considered in the distilling sector working group of the economic development committee for the food and drink manufacturing industry, and is a matter ultimately for the industry to decide where the balance of its interests lies in terms of employment and sales.