HC Deb 03 March 1998 vol 307 cc531-2W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the possibility that the multilateral agreement on investment may lead to an increase in litigation. [32094]

Mrs. Roche

The dispute settlement provisions of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) are the method by which it will be enforced, if necessary. If signatories apply their MAI obligations in good faith, dispute settlement cases should be rare, as they are under the similar provisions of the many bilateral investment treaties which already exist both for the UK and world-wide.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the potential for increased power to be given to large multinational companies through the MAI. [32095]

Mrs. Roche

The Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) would benefit all investors, large and small. All, however, remain subject to the national laws of the countries in which they operate.

Mr. Reed

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received about the multilateral agreement on investment; and if she will make a statement. [31975]

Mrs. Roche

We have received representations from many interested parties, including Members of Parliament, members of the public, business, unions and non-governmental organisations.