HC Deb 03 June 1980 vol 985 cc658-9W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to his answer to the hon. Member for Grimsby on 20 May, what proportion of Great Britain's white fish imports would be affected by such an increase in tariffs; and what rate of increase has been proposed to the Commission.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The proportion will vary but it is estimated that during the quarter ended 31 March about 13 per cent. by volume of total imports into the United Kingdom of the main white fish species from third countries would have been affected by a move back towards the full common custom tariff rates for fresh, chilled and frozen cod, haddock and hake.

Member States are currently considering a draft regulation presented by the Commission, one of the effects of which would be to restore the full tariff on the three species mentioned.