§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations the EU is making to the US on the likely effects of the proposed Farm Bill; and if she will make a statement. [67597]
§ Ms HewittBoth HMG and the Commission are in frequent dialogue with the US Government at all levels about the US Farm Bill (the "Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 2002"). We have made clear to the US Government our considerable disappointment with the Farm Bill, especially in the context of the Doha Development Agenda, which committed all WTO members to substantial reductions in trade-distorting support.
148WThe EC has made clear in its liberalisation requests that it is not seeking the dismantling of public services nor the privatisation of state owned companies.