§ Sir Hector MonroTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions he has had with the Japanese Government on the taxation of Scotch whisky.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe Japanese authorities have now announced their intention to introduce, from April 1989, a single rate of tax for all whiskies, at a level 45 per cent. below that currently applying to Scotch. This news is most welcome. Nevertheless, since some discrimination in the tax rates applying to other competing spirits will remain, the impact of the proposed changes would need to be kept closely under review, and the possibility of further recourse to the general agreement on tariffs and trade left open.