asked the Minister for Agriculture the steps required to deconsolidate the GATT agreements to impose a higher levy on imports of (i) vegetable oils for use in margarine, (ii) soya and (iii) manioc, into the EEC.
Written Answers. - GATT Imports Levy.
406.
The question of seeking deconsolidation of a duty bound by the European Economic Community under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade is a matter for the Community. The procedure for deconsolidation is set out in Article XXVIII of the agreement. Briefly this article permits of the modification or withdrawal by a contracting party to the agreement of a consolidated concession following negotiation with (i) any contracting party with which the concession was initially negotiated and (ii) any other contracting party determined by the GATT to have a "principal supplying interest" in the product affected. Consultation with any other contracting party determined to have a "substantial interest" in the concession is also required. The article provides that the contracting parties concerned in such negotiations shall endeavour to maintain a general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions not less favourable to trade between them than the concessions existing prior to such negotiations.