§ Mr. HealeyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what action Her Majesty's Government have taken in support of the European Commission's appeal against the World Trade Organisation's ruling on the EU banana import regime; what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the import of bananas from the West Indies to Europe; what assessment he has made of the impact of United Kingdom policy on the Caribbean banana industry; and if he will make a statement. [7476]
§ Mrs. RocheThe UK has supported the European Commission's robust defence of the EU banana regime in the World Trade Organisation. We are continuing that support during the appeal to the Appellate Body. The EU policy of offering preferential access for bananas from the West Indies and other traditional ACP suppliers is one that the UK supports. The Government is well aware of the importance to the West Indies of continuing access, given the dependence of their economies on banana exports.