HC Deb 14 April 1986 vol 95 cc268-9W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at what level the United Kingdom objection to the Spanish proposal to increase duties on frozen vegetables mentioned in his reply to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby of 8 April was lodged; whether it was pursued at ministerial level and with what result; what the normal procedures are for dealing with a registered objection; and whether any other countries lodged similar objections.

Mrs. Fenner

The United Kingdom objection in respect of frozen vegetables was raised in the Council working group on Spanish accession. Tariff dismantlement was one of a number of outstanding technical issues forming part of the final Presidency package that was accepted by the Council of Ministers. There were no objections at the time from other member states on this issue.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the increase in the duty on British frozen vegetables entering Spain after the treaty of accession was accepted by Her Majesty's Government; what efforts were made to persuade the Commission to impose it; and why the industry was not informed of this increase until after it had come into force.

Mrs. Fenner

The duty increase referred to took effect on 1 March 1986 as a consequence of the treaty of Spanish accession which was published in theOfficial Journal of the European Communities on 15 November 1985.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the representations for a reduction in the duties on frozen peas mentioned in his reply to the hon Member for Great Grimsby of 8 April were first made by Her Majesty's Government; at what level they were lodged; whether they will now be pursued in the Council of Ministers; and what efforts have been made to secure support from other European Economic Community Governments for this reduction.

Mrs. Fenner

On the first two parts of the question, I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 11 April. The next steps depend on Spanish reactions. The problem has been brought to the attention of all other member states of the Community.