Holding and Movements Directive

HC Deb 18 December 2001 vol 377 c196W

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to seek an amendment to the Holding and Movements Directive to permit spirits producers a defence of due diligence when consignments are lost. [23255]

Mr. Boateng

The Scottish Affairs Committee, in its report published in November 2001, recommended that the Government look at a defence of due diligence when excise consignments are lost. The Government are considering their response to this report and will reply in due course.