Debates between David Mundell and Gareth Davies during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Mundell and Gareth Davies
Tuesday 14th November 2023

(11 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Mundell Portrait David Mundell (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale) (Con)
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I know that the Chancellor is aware of just how important the whisky industry is to the economy of rural Scotland. It was very disappointing that the policy of a duty freeze was not continued in the Budget. Can he offer any reassurance that we will return to the policy of duty freeze in the autumn statement, and in next year’s Budget?

Gareth Davies Portrait The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Gareth Davies)
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We are incredibly supportive of the Scotch whisky industry. In fact, the Scotch Whisky Association was my first meeting in post. In nine out of 10 previous fiscal events we either cut or froze duty on whisky, and we have acted to remove punitive tariffs on Scotch whisky in the US market. It will not be a surprise to my right hon. Friend that all taxes remain under review and he will not have long to wait until the next fiscal event.