§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list all foodstuffs which will become subject to the 8 per cent. first stage of the common external tariff on 1st January 1974.
§ Sir G. HoweThe first stage of alignment towards the common customs tariff is not of 8 per cent. For most foodstuffs, 37W on 1st January 1974 we shall reduce by 40 per cent. the difference between the duties we applied on 1st January 1972 and the CCT rates. The reduction in the case of horticultural produce will be 20 per cent. The first changes in respect of beef and veal have already been effected.
Orders will shortly be laid before the House showing rates due to come into effect on 1st January 1974. The full list is very long and the expense of its prior reproduction in the OFFICIAL REPORT would not be justified.