§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has made to the French Government about discriminatory taxation measures against Scotch whisky.
§ Mr. MeacherWe have made repeated representations to the French authorities concerning the increases in duty on Scotch whisky that came into effect on 1st February and which have exacerbated the382W discriminatory treatment of Scotch whisky that existed prior to that date. These representations were in addition to the proceedings initiated by the European Commission against France on the same subject. The Commission is continuing with its Article 169 procedure and in December 1976 sent France a reasoned opinion in which the Commission took account of the exacerbation of discriminatory treatment.