Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Distillers 2026-07-02

Thursday 2 July 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government reviewing supercharger for British industry to support energy-intensive sectors
  • Consultation on temporarily suspending tariffs on kerosene oil recently concluded, decision pending
  • UK Export Finance extending support to help businesses like Slingsby Gin find new markets

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Torcuil Crichton Lab Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Energy Business & Trade
Context

The whisky industry, a vital sector for island economies, exported over £5.4 billion in 2025 supporting jobs and supply chains across Scotland.

Question

What steps does the government plan to take to support distilleries in my constituency, which rely heavily on kerosene heating oil?

Answer from Blair McDougall

We are determined to support energy-intensive industries and are reviewing the supercharger for British industry. A consultation on temporarily suspending tariffs on kerosene oil ended recently, and a decision will be made in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or commitment to suspend tariffs on kerosene oil was not provided

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Q2 Torcuil Crichton Lab Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Business & Trade
Context

The brand Slingsby Gin from Harrogate and Knaresborough went into administration earlier this year.

Question

Will the Minister wish the new owners of Slingsby Gin, Chris and Asma Williams, good luck in their new venture?

Answer from Blair McDougall

I will gladly put his constituents in touch with people at UK Export Finance to discuss extending export finance for businesses like Slingsby Gin.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or commitment to provide support was not given

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Q3 Tom Gordon Lib Dem Harrogate and Knaresborough
Business & Trade
Context

Slingsby Gin, a much-loved brand in Harrogate and Knaresborough, went into administration earlier this year.

Question

What steps is the Government taking to support the new owners of Slingsby Gin?

Answer from Blair McDougall

There is a big extension of UK Export Finance so that such businesses can find new markets, which helps them become more resilient. The Minister will put his constituents in touch with people at UK Export Finance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or commitment to provide support was not given

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