NAO to investigate whisky fraud claims
The National Audit Office is to take a close look at whisky fraud after the chancellor said the Treasury misses out on duty on one in every six bottles.
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Treasury minister John Healey announced the NAO would examine Gordon Brown’s claim amidst disagreement over the figure and means of tackling the problem.
The government plans to introduce a stamp scheme, a move which has provoked fierce opposition from the industry. It fears such a sceme could cost around £280m and put some smaller distilleries out of business.
Deputy enterprise minister Lewis Macdonald said: ‘Sir John Bourn, the comptroller and auditor general, has expressed his willingness to look at the disputed figures for fraud.’