Least Developed Countries

HC Deb 22 November 2000 vol 357 c196W

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has made to the EU to remove rice from the EC Trade Directorate's Least and Less Developed Country products draft regulation; and if he will make a statement. [139344]

Mr. Caborn

None. The UK supports the Commission's proposal for tariff and quota-free access for all remaining products (except arms) from the Least Developed Countries including a short transitional period for three sensitive agricultural products.

This is in line with the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister when he made clear during his Mansion House speech on 22 November 1999 that the Government support duty-free access for all goods from the Least Developed Countries.