I am writing to inform your Committee of the latest developments on this dossier.

  Since the publication of the Commission proposal on 15 December 2005, considerable progress has been made on this dossier culminating in a compromise text which was approved by the European Parliament at its plenary session on 19 June 2007. Subject to WTO comments on this dossier the UK has secured its main objectives including:

(i) A new London Gin definition allowing for authenticity indicators to be used as an anti-fraud

measure;

(ii) A strengthened whisky definition which ensures the highest quality of whisky;

(iii) a compromise on vodka which allows any raw material of agricultural origin to be used in the production of vodka, with minimal labelling requirements for vodka not made from cereals and potatoes;

(iv) Enhanced protection for UK geographical indications (Scotch whisky, Irish whisk(e)y and Plymouth Gin); and

(v) Comitology, allowing the new regulation to be amended by a regulatory committee with scrutiny.

  The dossier is currently under consideration by the WTO, which is expected to deliver its view by 5 August. If the WTO raises no objections to the proposal it is unlikely to undergo any substantial change in the final stages of discussion in Brussels. The proposal is expected to go to one of the Agriculture and Fisheries Councils in the autumn to be agreed as an "A" point.

30 July 2007