Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Gordon Banks (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 28 November 2007 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Whisky Industry

Question: My right hon. Friend will be aware that the Government are soon to bring forward new legislation to protect the Scotch whisky industry, especially in the important overseas market. Can he assure me, and the House, that that legislation will be relevant solely to the Scotch whisky industry, rather than being part of wider regulation, so that the industry can be better protected in the vital overseas market?

Answer: I recently had the pleasure of visiting my hon. Friend's constituency to see the importance of the whisky and related industries to the economy of his area. While I was doing that, my hon. Friend the Minister of State was engaged in continuing discussions with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about the issue that he raises—the translation into legislation of a European directive to protect the intellectual property rights of Scotch whisky. We had already announced that we as a Government would consult on the legislation, and we are determined that it will be in the best interests of the Scotch whisky industry. Like everyone else, my hon. Friend will have to wait until we announce and publish the legislation that will be consulted upon, but I suggest that all of those who share the best interests of the Scotch whisky industry are unlikely to be disappointed by the legislation.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 468 c271
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Alcoholic drinks Intellectual property EU action Overseas trade Scotland Whisky Trade
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk