Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Alan Reid Excerpts
Wednesday 18th December 2013

(10 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alistair Carmichael Portrait Mr Carmichael
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The right hon. Lady is absolutely right. Given that 90% of the product of the Scotch whisky industry is for the export market, it is of supreme importance that Scotland has the best possible access to that market, and we have that facility through the network of some 270 embassies throughout the world and through United Kingdom Trade & Investment. That is what matters, and that is why the Scotch whisky industry makes such good use of it.

Alan Reid Portrait Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD)
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The Scotch whisky industry provides many jobs in my constituency, but I feel that it is very unfair that whisky is taxed at a higher rate per unit of alcohol than beers and wines. Will the Government look again at alcohol taxation with a view to creating a level playing field?