§ Mr. Jesselasked the Secretary of State for Trade what rates of import duty are charged by the European Community on fish imported from Norway and Iceland, respectively; and what is the reason for the difference.
§ Mr. MeacherThe duties on saltwater fish under the common customs tariff range from zero to 23 per cent. depending on the type, preparation and use of the fish. The only tariff concessions for Norwegian fish are on frozen fillets—other than of tunny—which are charged 347W at 3 per cent. instead of the CCT duty of 15 per cent. In the case of Icelandic fish, frozen fillets—including those of tunny—are free of duty, redfish are charged at 2 per cent. instead of the CCT duty of 8 per cent, and cod, coalfish and halibut are charged at 3.7 per cent. instead of the CCT duty of 15 per cent.
The differences between the rates for Norwegian and Icelandic fish reflect the negotiation requirements of the agreements between the EEC and those countries.