asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the position regarding the importation of Bulgarian, Yugoslav and Spanish wines to this country in the next few years in the light of entry to the EEC; and the consequent changes in the present trading arrangements with these countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wine Imports.
59.
On entry of Ireland into the EEC it will be necessary to align the protective element in our duties on imports of wines from Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Spain with the Common External Tariff of the EEC. This alignment will be achieved progressively by reductions in the difference between the protective element in our duties and the Common External Tariff, of 40 per cent on 1st January, 1974, 20 per cent on 1st January, 1975, 20 per cent on 1st January, 1976, and 20 per cent on 1st July, 1977.
No trade agreements exist between the EEC and Bulgaria. A trade agreement exists between the EEC and Yugoslavia but this agreement does not grant any tariff concessions in respect of wines from Yugoslavia. A preferential trade agreement exists between the EEC and Spain, and, in the context of this agreement, the Community grants tariff quotas in respect of certain wines to Spain. It is expected that this agreement will be re-negotiated to take account of the enlargement of the EEC but, at this stage, it is not expected that Ireland will share in the tariff quota allocations for Spanish wines before January, 1974.