§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they support the proposals for the creation of a legal aid centre to advise needy nations on World Trade Organisation law and help them with the costs of litigating before WTO dispute panels. [HL1213]
§ Baroness AmosThe Government attach great importance to helping developing countries participate effectively in the WTO. There are currently two proposals to help developing countries make full use of the WTO's dispute settlement system. One involves the establishment of an independent legal advisory centre outside the WTO; the second involves the strengthening of the capacity of the WTO Secretariat itself to provide help to developing countries in this area. The Government regard these two proposals as complementary. If a common proposal were to emerge, the Government would consider funding for this. But, if it does not, the Government will provide financial support for both the current proposals.