HC Deb 11 May 1988 vol 133 c159W
109. Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what progress is being made to ensure the implementation of GATT agreements with Japan to protect the Scotch whisky industry from discriminatory import taxation.

Mr. Alan Clark

This issue was high on the agenda when my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister met the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Takeshita, last week. Mr. Takeshita was left in no doubt that we attach the greatest importance to a speedy resolution of this problem, with the introduction of a non-discriminatory tax system which allows Scotch whisky to compete on equal terms with other spirits. He undertook to take a personal interest in the resolution of this issue.