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The Scotch Whisky Association in a Manifesto for the new Parliament
launched today, is urging the new Scottish Parliament to act as an advocate for the
industry and to support its campaign for a fairer duty system at home, and to support
its battles for improved trading conditions world-wide.
The Association’s
document, The Land, the People, the Industry, the Issues, also calls on the
Parliament to consult with the industry prior to introducing new regulations, and to avoid
introducing undue obstacles.
Some of the most crucial
issues for the Scotch Whisky industry, such as excise duty and international trade
negotiations, will remain the responsibility of Westminster or even Brussels. But the
Association believes that the Parliament can act as an effective and vocal supporter of
its case for tax reform at home, in the EU and further afield.
Addressing the
industry’s annual general meeting in Glasgow today, the Association’s Chairman,
John McGrath, said: "Scotch Whisky is a major export industry, generating export
sales of £2 billion a year, and supporting some 60,000 jobs, many in rural or
economically disadvantaged areas of Scotland. I am confident that the new Scottish
Parliament will support measures which will assist in securing a strong long-term future
for Scotch Whisky.
"As an industry which
sells 90 per cent of its product overseas, we shall be urging the new parliamentarians to
consult with the industry before introducing new legislation, and to examine the full
impact of any proposed regulations, particularly changes which may affect the competitive
position of Scotch Whisky in relation to other international drinks."
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Issued by Campbell Evans
0131 222 9200 or 0171 629
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