A UK Treasury minister has pledged to seriously consider cutting tax on whisky.

Nicky Morgan, economic secretary to the Treasury, said she would look at the idea in the run up to March's Budget.

Her comment came as MPs pressed the issue during a debate in Westminster Hall.

Liberal Democrat, Labour and SNP MPs are calling for the Coalition to scrap a duty "escalator" on whisky.

They argue that the move would boost exports and increase jobs.

The 'escalator', which has been in place since 2008, automatically increases duty 2% above inflation.

A similar escalator on beer was abolished by the Coalition Government last year.