§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received120W concerning the level of import levy on American sugar; for what reasons it is set at its current level; and when the level was last changed. [64236]
§ Mr. RookerI have not received any representations about the level of the EU import tariff on American sugar. The current level was set as part of the EU's obligations agreed under the Uruguay Round of world trade negotiations concluded in 1994. Under these obligations the level of import tariff is reduced annually from 1995–2000 (a total reduction of 20 per cent.). In addition to this tariff the EU can, when the import price falls below an agreed level, apply an additional safeguard duty to protect EU producers. The most recent change in the safeguard duty for white sugar was on 2 December 1998.