asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development why he has refused the request of the Scotch Whisky Association to ban the export of immature Scotch whisky.

A full explanation has been given to the Association. It is very desirable that the reputation of Scotch whisky abroad should be protected, but the proposed ban would only stop useful exports; it would not prevent immature whisky produced abroad from being described as Scotch whisky.

The hon. Gentleman is evading the issue. Is it not stupid, as well as bad business, to spoil the high reputation of one of our best export lines by allowing poor quality stuff to be exported? Would not it be more sensible to revert to the practice which until 1954 restricted the export of immature whisky, a practice which, unfortunately, is increasing to an alarming extent at the present time?

With respect to the hon. Gentleman, I do not think that I evaded the Question at all. The fact is that the best safeguard for Scotch whisky is protection for the description "Scotch whisky". The United States already gives this protection. We are currently negotiating in the Council of Europe for the description to be given legal pro- tection in Europe, although it is bound to take time to achieve that.

As regards the export of immature whisky, the great bulk of it goes to Sweden where it is kept for maturing.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.