§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what assessment he has made of when the banana dispute between the European Union and United States of America will be concluded; [115564]
(2) what meetings have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and the European Commission as part of efforts to resolve the banana dispute; [115562]
(3) what meetings are planned by his Department to resolve the banana dispute between the European Union and the United States of America; [115561]
(4) what recent meetings have been held between Her Majesty's Government and the EU Commission in connection with the banana dispute with the United States. [116000]
§ Mr. VazThroughout the banana dispute numerous meetings have taken place with the European Commission, other EU member states, the US, Caribbean governments and Latin American banana producing countries. We will remain in close touch with all the parties and continue to press for a rapid solution to this dispute which also addresses the needs of vulnerable Caribbean banana producers.
Most parties have indicated they could accept the basic framework for a solution set out in the Commission, with differences outstanding on the details. On 20 March the EU Agriculture Council noted latest developments and encouraged the Commission to continue its discussions on these details with third countries in an effort to find agreement as quickly as possible. The exact date by which a solution to the dispute can be found will depend on when those details can be resolved.