Scotch Whisky Industry Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Scotch Whisky Industry

David Linden Excerpts
Tuesday 31st October 2017

(7 years, 1 month ago)

Westminster Hall
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Alistair Carmichael Portrait Mr Carmichael
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Indeed. The Scotch Whisky Association and the Wine and Spirit Trade Association would make that point: there is an industry and supply chain across the country. That includes the fact that the grain comes from farms throughout the country. The impact of the industry is particularly acute, however, in rural Scotland. The growth of whisky tourism, in particular, has been phenomenal in recent years, and has been transformative for the most economically fragile communities in Scotland.

David Linden Portrait David Linden (Glasgow East) (SNP)
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There is an impact on the urban economy, as well as on the rural economy. Dewar’s whisky is produced on London Road in Glasgow. I do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman has had the pleasure of drinking it; I am more than happy to share it. His point about the wider supply chain is important. Having visited the bottling plant, I know the impact on Carntyne Transport, which provides many jobs in my constituency.

Peter Bone Portrait Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair)
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Order. It is always good to have props—but it is wholly unallowed.