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Written question asked by Hannah Bardell (Scottish National Party) on Thursday, 26 October 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 October 2017. It was answered by David Mundell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 31 October 2017 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Whisky: Scotland

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union on the protection of intellectual property rights for Scotch whisky in any trade deal with the EU after the UK leaves the EU.

Answer

I meet regularly with Cabinet colleagues and discuss a wide range of matters. Geographical indications are important to our reputation as a great food nation. As we leave the EU, the UK will continue to abide by WTO rules on the protection of geographical indications globally, and we will prioritise continued protection of the best of our UK food and drink as we consider future trade opportunities across the world.

Countries outside the EU are already able to participate in the EU's geographical indication schemes when selling onto the EU market. In addition, the EU rules that currently govern the enforcement of geographical indications will be placed on a UK legal basis through the EU Withdrawal Bill.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
110001
Session
2017-19
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Origin marking Scotland Whisky UK trade with EU Brexit
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk