§ 57. Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last met representatives of the Scotch whisky industry; and what subjects were discussed.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI met representatives of the Scotch whisky industry on 5 April to discuss my proposal to introduce legislation permitting gin, rum, vodka and whisky sold on licensed premises to be served in a single round metric quantity of 25 ml from the middle of this year and to prohibit the use of the existing imperial quantities after 31 December 1994. Having considered the industry's representations, I announced on 3 May my intention to consult interested parties about the possibility of also permitting one further metric quantity of 35 ml and of extending to other spirits the requirement for prescribed measures.
§ Mr. SimsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in view of the United States section 301 initiative against Taiwan in regard to distilled spirits, he is taking steps to ensure that any resultant liberalisation applies equally to Scotch whisky.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe authorities in Taiwan are well aware of United Kingdom concerns. Her Majesty's Government have no dealngs with the Taiwanese authorities, but United Kingdom concerns on this and other matters are put across very clearly in Taipei and London by the Anglo-Taiwan Trade Committee, a private organisation set up to promote British exports to Taiwan.
The Scotch Whisky Association recently went on a mission to Taiwan during which further representations were made to the appropriate Taiwanese authorities.