HC Deb 22 March 1982 vol 20 c238W
Mr. Beith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has had about the import of tomatoes from the Canary Islands; whether he will take steps to protect home producers from the import of cheap, poor quality tomatoes; and whether he will make a statement.

Mrs. Fenner

We have received representations on behalf of tomato growers. Home production is protected by a common customs tariff of 11 per cent. and by the Community rules on quality standards which apply to imports. It will be strengthened on 1 April by the minimum import price arrangements and will be further strengthened on 15 May, when the tariff will go up to 18 per cent.