§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Commission of the European 345W Economic Community has approved a first series of proposals to harmonise excise duties on tobacco, petroleum products, wine, spirits and beer, and that these harmonisation duties will apply from 1st January, 1974; to what extent Great Britain will have to follow these on entry into the European Economic Community; and whether he will make full details of these proposals available to the House of Commons.
§ Mr. HigginsThe Commission has presented to the Council of Ministers a draft directive proposing the general framework of harmonised excise duties which should apply from 1st January, 1974. None of the lengthy consultations which would precede a decision by the Council has yet taken place. From the beginning of 1973 we shall participate as a full member in consideration of this proposal which under the provisions of Article 99 of the Treaty of Rome requires unanimous approval by member States. The Commission's proposal will be published in the Official Journal of the Communities in due course.