“Terrific Tax Burden On Whisky Should Be Eased”

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29153, 14 March 1960, Page 7

“Terrific Tax Burden On Whisky Should Be Eased”

Some easing of the “terrific burden” of duties and sales tax on Scotch whisky should be granted by the Government, says the chairman of Quill, Morris, Ltd. (Mr F. S. Taylor) in his annual report to shareholders.

He had made references in his annual address last year to shareholders to the drastic increase in excise duties on potable spirits, and the accompanying increase in sales tax which was applied in June, 1958, Mr Taylor said. “Wi.th the improvement in the country’s finances, the Government has made some concessions particularly in regard to beer and tobacco, and it is very much to

be hoped that .spirits will also shortly receive some relief. “I think this is of particular importance, and particularly in regard to Scotch whisky which is imported from Great Britainstill our most important customer so far as this country’s exports are concerned—and consequently the matter is one of importance in regard to those things we buy and the trading between Great Britain and this country. “Scotch whisky is one com-

modify which cannot be made here and I think you will agree that the time has come when some easing of the terrific burden of duties and sales tax should be granted by the Government. I have reported before that consumer resistance had been quite noticeable in regard to both beer and spirits, but with the easing of the sales tax on beer, that industry has received some benefit and it is to be hoped that the same position will apply to companies like ourselves so far as excise duties on spirits and sales tax are concerned,” Mr Taylor says.