§ 10. Mr. Parryasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received concerning the proposed EEC tax on oils and fats.
§ Mr. JoplingI have received many expressions of opposition to the European Commission's proposal for an oils and fats tax from representatives of our food industry and consumers, and from the Governments of certain of our trading partners. I have assured those concerned of the British Government's opposition to the Commission's proposal.
§ 56. Mr. Altonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact upon producers, processors and consumers of the introduction of an oils and fats tax.
§ Mr. GummerThe Commission proposals for a flat-rate levy would increase prices, particularly of the cheaper oils and the products made from them, and would distort competition between different oils and fats and between products. At the rate currently envisaged, it could lead to an increase of about three quarters of 1 per cent. in average retail food prices.