HC Deb 15 November 1972 vol 846 cc159-60W
Mr. Shore

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the existing United Kingdom tariff on imported mutton and lamb; what is the existing European Economic Community tariff on imported mutton and lamb; and on what date and by what amount he expects to make the first adjustment of the United Kingdom to the European Economic Community tariff.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

The present United Kingdom tariff on mutton and lamb, other than whole bone-in mutton carcases, is £0.9335 per cwt. For whole mutton carcases the tariff is £0.4667 per cwt. The common external tariff is 20 per cent. The first adjustment towards the common external tariff by the United Kingdom against third countries is due on 1st January, 1974, when the tariff on mutton and lamb, other than whole bone-in mutton carcases, will be £0.5601 per cwt. plus 8 per cent.ad valorem and the tariff on whole mutton carcases will be £0.2800 per cwt. plus 8 per cent. ad valorem.

Mr. Shore

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the existing United Kingdom market prices for wheat, barley and maize per long ton; in what month must the first increase be made to adjust United Kingdom prices to the agreed European Economic Community level for intervention prices; and what will be the new price levels in July, 1973.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

The ex-farm market prices in the United Kingdom for the week ended 26th October were £32.00 for wheat and £28.20 for barley per long ton. The import price for maize—October shipment—was £30.45 per long ton cif United Kingdom port. The first step towards EEC intervention price levels will be taken on 1st August, 1973. United Kingdom intervention prices in July, 1973, will be the EEC August prices less the compensatory amounts agreed last July; United Kingdom market prices in July will depend to a large extent on supply and demand at that time.

Mr. Denzil Davies

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the sterling guide prices per pound weight for calves and adult bovine animals in the European Economic Community for the marketing year 1972–73; and what were the corresponding prices for the two preceding years.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

The information requested is as follows:

p per lb. liveweight
Adult Cattle Calves
1972–73 Season
15th September, 1972 to date 14.7 18.2
1st April, 1972 to 14th September 14.2 17.8
1971–72 Season
1st August, 1971 to 31st March, 1972 13.6 17.8
1st April, 1971 to 31st July, 1971 12.8 17.3
1970–71 Season
1st April, 1970 to 31st March, 1971 12.8 17.3
Conversion rate: 2.40 u/as = £1.