§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what benefits are expected to accrue to African, Caribbean and Pacific and European Community banana producing countries as a result of the creation of the single European market in 1992.
§ Mr. CurryI have been asked to reply.
209WThe European Commission has not yet come forward with a proposal for the arrangements to apply for bananas post-1992, and it is not possible at present to say what impact the creation of the single European market will have on African, Caribbean and Pacific and European Community banana-producing countries. The Community has made it clear, however, that to safeguard the interests of these countries will be a major aim of any new arrangements.
§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans there are for the creation of a common import regime for bananas in the European Community in 1992; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryI have been asked to reply:
The European Commission is currently considering the possible arrangements for bananas post-1992 but has not yet come forward with proposals. We have encouraged the Commission and other member states to ensure that any new arrangements fulfil our commitments to our Commonwealth Caribbean suppliers and Lome partners, and that they take account of consumer interests and of the competition and efficiency objectives of the single market initiative.