HC Deb 19 June 1991 vol 193 cc206-7W
Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received regarding the continuation of Commonwealth preference for bananas; what is the current state of negotiations within the EC on bananas; what is the position of the United Kingdom Government in these discussions; if he will give consideration to the need to protect the interest of Commonwealth banana growers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Curry

We have received representations about the preferential arrangements applying to United Kingdom imports of bananas from a wide variety of interests including our traditional suppliers in the Caribbean.

The European Commission is currently considering arrangements to apply to bananas in the single European market post-1992, but has not yet come forward with proposals. The United Kingdom Government will seek to ensure that new arrangements fulfil our commitments to Commonwealth Caribbean suppliers, and take account of consumer interests, the need for budgetary restraint, trade policy considerations and the competition and efficiency objectives of the single market initiative.

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