asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the cost to the British taxpayer of the EEC levies on fruit and vegetables imported into Great Britain from outside the Community, particularly new potatoes, soft fruits and apples, during the period when there is no comparable Community product available.

There are no EEC levies on fruit and vegetables imported into Great Britain from outside the Community. Imports are subject to the common customs tariff and in addition imports of certain products must observe a reference—that is, minimum import—price. Failure to do so results in the levying of a countervailing charge. The receipts from both the tariff and countervailing charge are paid into Community funds. There is therefore no cost to the British taxpayer.