§ Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give details of the action he has taken concerning the Korean Government's recent announcement of proposed taxation changes which will place Scotch whisky at a disadvantage as against Korean whisky.
§ Mr. SainsburyWe have made formal representations to the Korean Government that the liquor tax rate on Scotch whisky, even after the proposed reduction to 150 per cent. in 1991, remains far too high and continues to restrict access to the Korean market for Scotch whisky producers. We will continue to take every opportunity, both bilaterally and through the European Community, to persuade the Korean Government to take the necessary action to end this and other discriminatory measures which hold back the sales of Scotch whisky and other competitive United Kingdom products in Korea. We will continue to argue strongly that such measures are inconsistent with Korea's present status as an important exporting nation and major beneficiary of open world markets.
§ Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations have been made by the Government about other countries' taxation policies in relation to Scotch whisky.
§ Mr. SainsburyThe Government keep in close touch with Scotch whisky producers, through the Scotch Whisky Association, regarding the taxation of Scotch whisky in export markets. Every suitable opportunity is taken to raise matters of concern in this area with the Governments concerned, both bilaterally and through the Community.