§ Mr. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received on export subsidies to developing countries in relation to the forthcoming World Trade Organisation Round. [100422]
§ Mr. CabornI have received a large number of representations about this issue in the run up to the WTO Ministerial meeting in Seattle, particularly in relation to agricultural trade. I have made clear my support for a substantial reduction in these trade distorting subsidies as part of a new Trade Round.
§ Mr. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to raise the issue of zero tariffs for developing countries at the World Trade Organisation Conference in Seattle. [100425]
§ Mr. CabornAt Seattle, I shall be pressing for other industrialised countries to support the proposal agreed within the EU to provide duty-free access for essentially all products from the least developed countries no later than the end of the new Round of negotiations (2003). More generally, the Government will continue to call for zero tariffs to be applied to all goods from the least developed countries, as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister promised in his speech at Mansion House on 22 November.
§ Mr. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received relating to the position adopted by the European Union on the labelling of genetically modified foods in advance of the World Trade Organisation Conference in Seattle. [100424]
§ Mr. CabornI have received a number of representations on the subject of labelling of genetically modified food and on other aspects of labelling, both in writing and when my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have met representatives of the civil society in person, in advance of the World Trade Organisation conference in Seattle on 29 November-3 December.
The Government share the EU objective to seek clarification of the terms of the WTO Agreement as concerns labelling, so that it is clear that labelling requirements can be used as a means of responding to consumer demands for information, where appropriate and without placing excessive burdens on, and unfairly restricting, export opportunities for our trading partners. On the specific question of genetically modified food, the Government are committed to labelling where there are measurable differences between GM and non-GM products, to allow consumers to make informed choices.
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§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations the Government will make at the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Seattle to other industrialised countries concerning the implementation of agreements to reduce trade barriers to developing countries; and if he will make a statement. [100813]
§ Mr. CabornMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I will urge others to join the UK and EU in indicating strong support for the implementation of agreements to reduce trade barriers to developing countries, both in respect of those commitments entered into as part of the Uruguay Round, and in respect of new initiatives, such as the EU proposal that all industrialised countries should agree to provide duty-free access for essentially all goods from the Least Developed Countries no later than the end of the next round of negotiations (2003).
§ Mr. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will raise the matter of labour standards in developing countries at the Seattle Conference of the World Trade Organisation. [100426]
§ Mr. CabornThe Government are firmly committed to securing the EU proposals on trade and labour, including the creation of a Joint ILO/WTO Standing Working Forum on trade, globalisation and labour issues.