§ 94. Dame Irene Wardasked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has made to the Federal German Government against the proposed increased rate of duty on all canned meats imported from non-European Economic Community countries; whether he is aware that the high rate of tariff imposed will prohibit the sale of all canned meats from Great Britain immediately; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gwyneth DunwoodyNone. In accordance with the Community's common agricultural policy, the Six propose to adopt a common external tariff of 26 per cent. on imports of canned beef and veal. This will involve a slight increase in the German and Italian tariffs and reductions in the others. I do not think these changes will have the effect which the hon. Lady fears.
§ 95. Dame Irene Wardasked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking with Norway under the European Free Trade Association Convention to protest against the prohibition by Norway of the entry of canned meats from Great Britain.
§ Mrs. Gwyneth DunwoodyThere is no ground for protesting against the Norwegian action under the E.F.T.A. Convention, the relevant provisions of which apply only to trade in industrial goods. Canned meat is classified under the Convention as agricultural produce.