§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what current negotiations he is holding with his European counterparts to ensure equal tax treatment for whisky(a) in the European Community and (b) in Japan; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RyderThere are no current Community negotiations relating to equal tax treatment for whisky. Member states apply their own rates of duty equally to home-produced and imported spirits.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry continues to watch developments in the Japanese whisky market to ensure that the beneficial effects of the tax changes introduced last year are not undermined. The Government will make representations to the Japanese authorities as appropriate about any problems which arise from the remaining tax differentials.