§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations his Department has received in connection with the proposed EC directive on the approximation of the laws of the member states with regard to the transport of dangerous goods by road, and by the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (Classification, Packaging and Labelling) Regulations 1994, as they may affect the transportation of Scotch whisky; what discussions he has held with his European counterparts on this matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisMy Department has had representations from the Scotch Whisky Association about the effect of the draft directive and the regulations on the carriage of whisky in casks over 250 litres capacity within Great Britain. My hon. Friend the Member for Chislehurst (Mr. Sims) has also made representations on behalf of the association. The Transport Council agreed a common position on the draft directive in June, and will discuss it again only if the European Parliament proposes further amendments. My officials have explained to the association how they propose, within the derogations permitted by the directive, to exempt the carriage of whisky within Britain in traditional-sized casks from the unintended requirements for design-type testing of the casks, so that existing practice can continue.