§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many representations he has received on the European Community proposed tax on oils and fats; what was the nature of those representations; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when he expects to reply to the quesion tabled by the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe, for answer on 11 November relating to representations received on the European Community's proposed tax on oils and fats; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorI have received a large number of representations, the overwhelming majority of which have urged us to oppose the proposed tax. We have already made our opposition to this tax clear, and intend to continue opposing it.
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§ Mr. Spellerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the estimated additional cost to the average United Kingdom household when the proposed European Community tax on oils and fats is introduced from 1 January 1984.
§ Mr. MacGregorA tax at the rate proposed would, if passed on in full to consumers, cost the average United Kingdom household about £2.80 per year. As my hon. Friend knows, we are firmly opposed to this tax for a variety of reasons.
§ Mr. Spellerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated additional cost per annum to United Kingdom firms arising from the proposed European Community tax on oils and fats used in the production of foodstuffs.
§ Mr. MacGregorAt the proposed rates it is estimated that about £58 million would be raised in the United Kingdom. It is not, however, possible to estimate with certainty how much of the economic impact would fall on oils and fats processors as opposed to suppliers and consumers.