EC MINISTER SEES OILS TAX STILL IN NEGOTIATION
The outcome of negotiations on
proposals by the European Commission for a 330 Ecus a tonne tax
on EC-produced and imported oilseeds and marine oils remains
difficult to predict, Belgian agriculture minister Paul de
Keersmaeker told a news conference.
    De Keersmaeker, who chaired a meeting of EC farm ministers
which ended today, was asked about reports enough countries
were against the tax to ensure that it would be defeated in
negotiations on the EC farm price package for 1987/88.
    He said it was true some countries were strongly opposed,
but others were less so and others basically in favour.
    "I think there is room for negotiations, and I would not
want to make any predictions at this stage," de Keersmaeker
said.
    Yesterday, British minister Michael Jopling said Britain,
West Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands and Denmark were
opposed to the measure. Between them these countries have more
than enough voting power to block it.
    Diplomatic sources said at today's meeting the Spanish
delegation also expressed strong reservations about the idea.
 Reuter
