§ 14. Mr. Gregoryasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the effect of the EC Commission's proposals on oils and fats on the United Kingdom confectionery trade.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe Biscuit, Cake, Chocolate and Confectionery Alliance has estimated that the proposed oils and fats tax could increase its members' costs by up to some £50 million annually. The Government are firmly opposed to this proposal.
§ Mr. GregoryI welcome my hon. Friend's comments. Will he assure the House that he will continue strenuously to attack any proposal by the EEC Commission in respect of oils and fats which will have a detrimental effect on the UK confectionery industry, whose exports are the second most important in the food and drink sector, particularly in York? The proposals would mean that Craven's would have to spend £40,000, Terry's £1 million and Rowntree Mackintosh over £2 million.
§ Mr. ThompsonMy hon. Friend can tell his constituency and the industry in general that we are firmly opposed to the oils and fats tax.