HC Deb 08 April 1986 vol 95 cc22-3W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek to introduce procedures within Spain's accession treaty to the European Economic Community for urgent rectification of anomalies, for reduction of duties harmful to existing trade, and for emergency review of problems.

Mr. Alan Clark

My Department will continue to give all help possible to companies facing problems in their trade with Spain, but I see no scope to introduce new procedures into the treaty of accession.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he has taken to draw the attention of exporters to Spain to the increase in duties on frozen vegetables; what warning was given to the industry via the British Overseas Trade Board; and what effect he estimates it will have on such exports to Spain.

Mr. Alan Clark

The BOTB has issued a notice through the export intelligence service drawing attention to this information. No estimate is yet possible of any effect the tariff changes might have on our exports.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why the pamphlet put out by the British Overseas Trade Board on "Basic Facts on Spain's Accession to the European Community" (May 1985) does not refer to the tariff on frozen food and vegetable exports.

Mr. Alan Clark

This was because the pamphlet was sent for printing before the tariff arrangements on manufactured goods had been finalised. The negotiations in this field were being undertaken by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food.