Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the contribution of the Scotch Whisky industry to tourism in the UK.

The Scotch Whisky industry is strategically important to the economy of Scotland.

As a result of continued industry investments, Scotch Whisky tourism saw record numbers of visitors in 2018. Over 2 million tourists from over 20 different countries visited Scotch Whisky distilleries for the first time. Also, spending at visitor centres was up by 12.2% to £68.3m - additional £7.4m compared with 2017, and 154% more than in 2010.

Collectively, Scotch Whisky distilleries remain the third most visited attraction in Scotland.