§ Mr. McMahonasked the Minister for Trade if he will create immediate tariff advantages to establish energy prices in the printing and paper-making industries at a level as low as the United Kingdom's international competitors.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThere is little scope for further reduction in the level of tariffs on imported sources of energy. Customs duties on coal, coal gas and crude oil are set at zero: that on natural gas (1.5 per cent.) has been suspended for an indefinite period. The tariff on refined fuel oil (5 per cent.) has been reduced to 3.5 per cent. for an indefinite period. This small tariff has been retained to encourage the refining of crude oil within the European Community, and in view of the present under-utilisation of United Kingdom oil refining capacity I have no plans to seek a further reduction in the level of tariff protection.