§ Mr. Carmichaelasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he is satisfied that adequate control exists over the quality of Scotch whisky as finally sold abroad when it has been exported in bulk and bottled and labelled in the importing country; and what representations have been made to his Department concerning the quality of such whisky.
§ Mr. HeathThe position depends on the domestic legislation of the importing countries. I understand that it is satisfactory in the U.S.A. which is the principal importer of Scotch whisky in bulk. We are trying through international negotiations to secure protection for the description "Scotch Whisky" in as many countries as possible. I have not recently received any representations about the quality of Scotch whisky exported in bulk.
§ Mr. Carmichaelasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development how much whisky was exported from Scotland during 1953 and 1963, respectively; what proportion of total exports in these years was accounted for by bulk exports; and how many bottles the bulk exports represented in each of these years.
§ Mr. HeathThe trade statistices do not distinguish between Scotch whisky 201W and whisky made in Northern Ireland. The unit of quantity recorded is proof gallons and there is no official information about the method of consignment. Exports in 1953 and 1963 of Scotch whisky and whisky made in Northern Ireland were 13,205,884 proof gallons and 31,772,660 proof gallons, respectively.