To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will issue a re-assessment of price-elasticity in the market for Scotch whisky, following introduction of the new Treasury model for spirits taxation. [115824]

A Government Economic Service Working Paper "Econometric Models of Alcohol Demand in the United Kingdom" was published 23 May and is available in the Library of the House.It is accessible from the Customs and Excise website at www.hmce.gov.uk/recent/index. The paper contains updated estimates of the price elasticities of demand for beer, wine and spirits. The relevant trade bodies have been sent copies and given an opportunity to discuss the paper with Customs and Excise.