HL Deb 01 March 1994 vol 552 cc71-2WA
Lord Pitt of Hampstead

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether (a) the European Commission's Offer to certain Latin American countries to increase the tariff quota has been withdrawn and (b) the régime established by Regulation 404/93 is no longer the subject of negotiation with third countries.

Earl Howe

The European Commission has now formally withdrawn its offer of 14th December to the Latin American countries designed to secure their recognition of the EC banana regime. It has, nonetheless, we understand, made clear to those countries which felt unable to accept the offer that it is willing to continue discussions with them until the end of March.