§ 14 Mr. WhiteTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made in ensuring that the concerns of non-OECD countries, with particular reference to environmental and labour standards, are taken into account in the MAI discussion. [34640]
§ Clare ShortThe study of the development implications of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) commissioned by my Department has just been completed. It indicates that this Agreement could offer substantial opportunities to developing countries in attracting and regulating foreign investment. I have placed copies of this report in the Libraries of the House. The Government have made it clear that we would not sign an MAI that undermined environmental protection or core labour standards but will work for an MAI and possible WTO based agreement that benefits developing countries.
§ 22 Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's report on the consequences for developing countries of the proposed multilateral agreement on investment. [34650]
§ Clare ShortThe report on the development implications of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) commissioned by my Department was completed on Monday 23 March and placed in the Library on 25 March. The key conclusion is that the MAI could offer substantial opportunities to developing countries if their needs are accommodated in the Agreement. The Government are currently considering all the report's findings and how best to respond to them.