Oils and Fats

HC Deb 05 December 1983 vol 50 cc51-2W

Mr. Speller

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Baldry), Official Report, 17 November, c. 975, if Her Majesty's Government will veto any European Community proposal for a tax on oils and fats.

Mr. MacGregor

The United Kingdom remains totally opposed to this proposal, as do several other member states. It is therefore most likely to be put to a vote.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food what communications he has received from the Seed Crushers and Oil Processors Association and the Food Manufacturers Federation on the Commission's proposals to tax oils and fats; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. MacGregor

Both the Seed Crushers and Oil Processors Association and the Food Manufacturers Federation have made representations against the proposal to tax oils and fats. We have assured them of the Government's opposition to it.