HC Deb 31 March 1976 vol 908 cc505-6W
Mr. Welsh

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish in the Official Report figures showing the EEC levies on exports of live cattle from the United Kingdom compared with exports of carcases; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bishop

The net charge on exports of live cattle or carcase beef from the United Kingdom is made up of several elements. On our exports to EEC countries the charge consists of transitional and monetary adjustments, and a transitional customs duty charged by the importing country. On trade with non-EEC countries the charge varies according to whether or not a Community-financed export refund is granted, and may again be made up of both monetary and transitional adjustments. The rates of charge applied are broadly in line with the relative values of live cattle and the presentations or cuts in which beef is traded.

Because the net amount of the monetary adjustment varies on intra-Com-munity trade according to the country of destination and is liable to fluctuate from week to week according to the movement of exchange rates, the total charge on exports also varies. Details of the arrangements described above and of current rates of charge may be obtained from the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce.