§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what representations she has received from the tourist industry in Scotland on the impact of the whisky strip on miniature whiskies produced for the tourist industry; [48040]
(2) what representations she has received from the gift packaging industry in Scotland on the impact of the introduction of a whisky strip for whisky miniatures used in producing gift packs; [48041]
(3) what representations she has received from the whisky industry on the impact of the whisky strip on the production of miniature whiskies. [48039]
§ Mrs. Liddell[holding answer 10 April 2002]: I have received formal submissions from the Scotch Whisky Association and the Gin and Vodka Association covering a wide range of concerns on the introduction of fiscal marks on spirits. I have also received informal representations.
It was clear from the consultation process that the introduction of tax stamps would have a severe impact on the productivity and compliance costs of the spirits industry which, if passed on in full, could have had a significant impact on retail prices for spirits. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer therefore decided to pursue a joint programme of co-operation with the spirits industry to identify, track and trace illicit consignments of spirits, not involving strip stamps.