§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will increase the tariffs paid on white fish imported into the United Kingdom which is fresh or chilled and whole as against the laminated block; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithTariffs on imports of fish into the United Kingdom from third countries are governed by the rates of duty provided for in the Community's common customs tariff. Amendments to these tariffs require Community agreement. The United Kingdom Government are therefore not able unilaterally to raise tariffs in the manner suggested.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will restrict the imports of white fish into the United Kingdom once the quantity required for the processing industry has been agreed taking into account the British fishing industry's catching capacity to meet a majority of the present requirements for the processing industry.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithNo. I do not believe that it would be practicable for the Government to seek to organise the market for fish in the manner proposed.