§ Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Trade why the EEC import duties on Norwegian wetfish, roundfrozen fish and shellfish are only being reduced to 10 per cent.; why this reduction is only for six months in view of the inadequate supplies of such fish in the United Kingdom; what is the justification for any import duties at all; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MeacherThe recent decision by the EEC Council temporarily to reduce the duties on fresh, chilled, or frozen cod, haddock, hake and hake fillets imported for use by the processing industry to 10 per cent. for the last six months of 1978 was taken against the background of continuing discussions about the Community's internal and external fishery regimes. The agreement reached takes account of the interests of both the fish processing and fishing industries in the Community. In view of the uncertainties facing these sectors, the reductions were made for an initial period of six months only. The position for the first half of 1979 will be reviewed in the autumn, when it will be possible to reassess the demand and supply situation.