§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Trade why caramel, which is almost exclusively manufactured from glucose in Great Britain and whose manufacturers are protected by the competition from imported caramel; common customs tariff, is not protected in the same way as glucose from unfair 464W and if he will consider urgently whether a tariff can be imposed on caramel imports.
§ Mr. ParkinsonNo. Customs duties are not chargeable under the common customs tariff on imported glucose or caramel. Imports of both these products are liable to levies determined in the context of the common agricultural policy. Such levies, whilst taking account of changes in the level of world market prices for cereals on the one hand and sugar on the other, are intended to provide European Community manufacturers with adequate protection against competition from imports. The basis for calculating levies on individual products under the common agricultural policy is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.