§ Mr. Croninasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what representations he has made to the French Government on the total ban on the advertising of Scotch whisky, which does not apply to rum, brandy and other spirits derived from the distillation of wines, having regard to Article 30 of the Treaty of Rome;
(2) what representations he has made to the French Government about the discriminatory taxes on Scotch whisky in France as opposed to the lesser taxes on brandy and rum in that country having regard to Article 95 of the Treaty of Rome.
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§ Mr. StrangResponsibilty for ensuring that member States fulfil their obligations under the Treaty of Rome lies with the European Commission. The Government have made numerous representations to the Commission on the discriminatory practices of the French Government. The Commission some time ago issued reasoned opinions against the French Government relating both to discriminatory taxes on Scotch whisky and on restrictions on advertising under the procedures laid down in Article 169 of the Treaty.