HC Deb 27 January 1977 vol 924 cc1692-3
18. Mr. Body

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what items of food were not subject to an import levy at the latest convenient date.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

This information is available in the Customs and Excise Tariff, which indicates whether particular foodstuffs are subject to import levy. In addition to those items not subject to levy, certain items are subject to levy at a nil rate.

Mr. Body

Is not the true answer that every sort of foodstuff imported into this country and available to our housewives is now subject to an import levy? Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the system of import levies is invoked only when food from outside the Community is cheaper than food grown within the Community?

Mr. Sheldon

I must inform the hon. Gentleman that he is mistaken. There is a wide range of foodstuffs not subject to levy, including vegetables, fruit, fish and lamb. He may care to examine those commodities.

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