asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has on the scope and nature of the proposed European Economic Community tax on oils and fats.

[pursuant to his reply, 31 March 1987, c. 445]: The European Commission's proposal for a vegetable and marine oil price stabilisation system would involve a tax on all refined vegetable and marine oils for human consumption, whether produced in the Community or imported from third countries with effect from 1 July 1987. The initial rate of tax is forecast at about £250 per tonne which would approximately double the price of refined oils subject to it. The Government are firmly opposed to this proposal.