§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what formal proposals have been made by him to European colleagues to protect the export of Scotch whisky to the Community; what further discussions he intends to hold with EC colleagues on the implications of an EC indirect tax scheme for Scotch whisky exports to the rest of the EC; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardAt the ECOFIN Council on 24 June, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer successfully argued against the proposal to set a minimum level of spirits duty post-1992 which would have unacceptably increased discrimination against Scotch whisky in the southern member states. As a result, no minimum rate was agreed and at my right hon. Friend's request the Commission will be examining possible distortions in the alcoholic drinks market and reporting later this year. Further discussions on the minimum rate will take place on the basis of that report.
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the total annual value accruing to the Treasury of(a) domestic and (b) international sales of Scotch whisky.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe information available relates to the VAT and excise duty yield from domestic sales of whisky which in 1990 is estimated to have been £1 billion. International sales do not produce excise or VAT revenue.