Written question asked by Phyllis Starkey (Labour) on Thursday, 3 December 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 December 2009. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Thursday, 10 December 2009 on behalf of the Treasury.

Agricultural Products: Israel

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many consignments of agricultural produce imported from Israel and Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories were checked by HM Revenue and Customs to verify their place of origin in the last 12 months; and how many of such consignments were of (a) avocados, (b) herbs, (c) dates, (d) peppers and (e) tahini or halva.

Answer: Since July 2008 HM Revenue and Customs has undertaken 49 physical examinations of fresh produce, including avocado pears, dates and herbs, imported under the EU-Israel Agreement. 10 examinations were undertaken in respect of avocados. No investigations were undertaken in respect of consignments of pepper and tahini or halva. Separate figures are not available for the number of examinations in respect of dates and herbs. Two labelling irregularities were identified for herbs.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 502 c579W; 305256
Session: 2009-10
Related items: Imports: Israel
Monday, 11 January 2010
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Origin marking Israel
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk