Mr. Ron Brownasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received from the Scottish Whisky Association about Japan's taxation of imported alcoholic drinks; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardThe Department maintains close contact with the Scottish Whisky Association about the problem of discriminatory taxation of imported alcoholic drinks in Japan. The Foreign Affairs Council of the European Community has recently invited the Commission to press for early action to remove discriminatory import barriers, with a view to initiating action under the GATT if this is not successful.