§ Ms WalleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how the United Kingdom Government intend to fulfil their commitment in the OECD Ministerial Statement on the proposed Multilateral Agreement on Investment of 28 March concerning a period of assessment and further consultation; what steps have been taken in this respect; and if she will make a statement. [48048]
§ Mrs. RocheOfficials from the Department and from other relevant Government Departments are continuing their on-going consultations with business, unions, local government, non-governmental organisations, and others interested in the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI). We will participate in planned EU-wide meetings with trade unions and non-governmental organisations in September. We are also considering options for further consultations with developing countries.