§ Lord Tanlawasked her Majesty's Government:
In view of the duty-free importation into the United Kingdom and EC of South Korean manufactured goods, what representations have been made to the Government of South Korea to prevent the restrictions on the importation of all bottled Scotch whisky; the termination of existing "joint venture" agreements for the importation of Scotch whisky in bulk for local blending and bottling.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Lucas of Chilworth)Her Majesty's Government have made vigorous representations to the Korean Government requesting early liberalisation of their market for bottled Scotch whisky. Concern has also been expressed over proposals to end imports of bulk whiskies which would go back on recent liberalisation and cause the disappearance of the three existing brands of 100 per cent. Scotch whiskies in the Korean market.
We consider that Korea, as a competitive newly industrialising country, should now allow more liberal market access. These points were taken up by European Commission delegates in recent high level talks in Seoul, and we will continue to press them.
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