Oral Answers to Questions

Alan Brown Excerpts
Thursday 23rd March 2023

(1 year, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston
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I refer the hon. Lady to my answer earlier on part of that question. With our friends and allies, including who we trade with, we raise issues and concerns of interest to our constituents and to the British Government on an ongoing basis, not just in trade and business discussions but through other channels and Government Departments. We are happy to have robust conversations with our friends.

Alan Brown Portrait Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (SNP)
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Unlike other alcohol producers, the Scotch Whisky Association and industry are having to put up with a 10% increase in duty, making the cost of whisky 75% tax. Spirits are effectively excluded from the draught support scheme, and distilleries cannot access the energy-intensive industries support that other alcohol producers can. When will we get a level playing field for the Scottish whisky industry?

Kemi Badenoch Portrait Kemi Badenoch
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This Government value and support the Scotch whisky industry. Just last year, we helped to liberalise tariffs on Scotch whisky in the USA. My Department and I are in continual discussions with the Scotch Whisky Association and industry to see what we can do to support them.