HC Deb 20 July 1977 vol 935 cc550-1W
Mr. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations have been made to the Spanish Government to ensure that the 25 per cent. concession on duty payable on industrial goods exported from the United Kingdom to Spain is extended to paper and board exports; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Meacher

On 1st July the tariff provisions of the 1970 EEC /Spain agreement, which was negotiated before our accession to the EEC, became effective for trade between the United Kingdom and Spain. Under the terms of this agreement most United Kingdom exports to Spain now receive a 25 per cent. or 60 per cent. reduction in the Spanish customs duties, but about one—sixth of United Kingdom exports, including paper and board products, receive no concessions. A major revision of the agreement will be negotiated in the autumn when one of the United Kingdom's objectives will be to obtain tariff concessions from Spain on those products which do not at present receive them.