Mutton, Lamb and Cheese (Import Levies)

HC Deb 20 February 1975 vol 886 cc450-1W

25. Mrs. Wise

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current total of import levies, duties and taxes on imported mutton, lamb and cheese.

Mr. Bishop

The present rates of duty imposed on mutton and lamb imported into the United Kingdom from third countries under arrangements in the Treaty of Accession for transition to Community tariffs are set out in Statutory Instrument 2020/74.

Rates of levy and compensatory amounts for imports of cheese vary according to circumstances, and information about current rates is published by the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce.

27. Mr. Gould

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the purpose of the import tariff on mutton and lamb imported into the United Kingdom from outside the EEC.

Mr. Bishop

Duties on imports provide a measure of protection for domestic production, on which we rely for a secure supply of much of our food. The present tariff on mutton and lamb reflects the transition from the pre-accession United Kingdom rate to the EEC rate in accordance with our obligations under the Treaty of Accession.