§ 45. Mr. AshbyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide details on the progress of the EEC-Israel protocol; and what concessions have been granted to Israel concerning food and drink products.
§ Mr. GummerThe protocols to the EC-Israel agreement were signed by the Community and Israel on 13 December 1987. They await the assent of the European Parliament which is required before they can enter into force.
The protocols provide in particular for duties to be removed progressively from a range of food and drink products, and for tariff quotas to be opened for certain products, most notably cut flowers. Whilst the United Kingdom has shown itself supportive of freer trade in Mediterranean products, we have insisted upon proper access to the European market being provided for Arab producers from the occupied territories. Details are contained in EC document 4280/87 (explanatory memorandum submitted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 10 April 1987) a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.