Written question asked by Austin Mitchell (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 December 1996. It was answered by Phillip Oppenheim (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 December 1996 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: Pursuant to the verdict of the European Court on the duty liability of John and Celia Smith of Grimsby on prawns imported from the Faroe Islands with valid EUR 1 certificates, if he proposes to apply to the European Commission for a waiver on the duty.

Answer: Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the verdict of the European Court on the duty liability of John and Celia Smith of Grimsby on prawns imported from the Faroe Islands with valid EUR 1 certificates, if he proposes to apply to the European Commission for a waiver on the duty. [7684] Mr. Oppenheim: The European Court of Justice has referred this matter back to the United Kingdom High Court for a decision as to duty liability. The judgment specifically stated that it is now for the national court to determine whether the conditions for waiver are met. It is the High Court which will decide this case, not the European Commission.

Secondary information