§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the 925W outcome of her recent visit to India and Thailand, with particular reference to representations she made on behalf of the Scottish whisky industry. [93265]
§ Ms HewittDuring my recent visit to India and Thailand, I raised the issue of taxation on spirits and beer with Mr. Arun Shourie, the Minister for Commerce and Industry in New Delhi, and the Thai Prime Minister, Dr. Thaksin, and Deputy Finance Minister, Mr. Suchart, in Bangkok.
Mr. Tim Jackson, of the Scotch Whisky Association, accompanied me on my visit to India as part of a UK trade delegation and during my call on the Thai Deputy Finance Minister.
He raised the concerns of the Scotch whisky industry, in relation to the Indian Market, direct with Mr. Shourie.
During the call on the Thai Deputy Finance Minister, Mr. Jackson offered to provide assistance to the relevant Thai authorities in their analysis of alternatives to ad valorem excise duties.
The Thai Deputy Minister of Finance indicated that it was his aim to overhaul the current regime on Scotch whisky. He expressed the hope that this would be soon.