HC Deb 12 May 1986 vol 97 cc373-4W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current percentage level of variable levy which is applicable to imports of corn and sorghum to Spain in consequence of the accession of Spain to the European Economic Community; and what was the level of levy applied before the treaty of accession was signed.

Mr. Gummer

[pursuant to his reply, 8 May 1986, column 243]: Third country imports of maize (corn) and sorghum to Spain are liable to Community import levies, adjusted by the accession compensatory amounts set out in regulation 576/86. Community import levies are specific amounts equivalent to the difference between world prices and EC threshold prices, and are calculated daily by the Commission. The average rate of levy, net of ACA on imports into Spain from 1 March to April were 140.92 ECU/tonne and 134.31 ECU/tonne for maize and sorghum, respectively. Before accession, imports of maize and sorghum to Spain were generally liable to a temporaliy reduced import duty of 0.9 per cent. of the CIF value and a home compensation tax of 8 per cent. levied on the CIF value increased by 1 per cent. In addition regulatory duties also applied, in the period immediately prior to accession these were 10,202 pesetas/tonne and 9,332 pesetas/tonne for maize and sorghum respectively.