HC Deb 06 May 2004 vol 420 c1726W
14. Chris Bryant

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on trade with the 10 new member states of the EU. [170691]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

Accession of the 10 new states to the EU creates a market of 450 million people (bigger than US and Japan combined).

It will be the largest single market in the world, creating unprecedented opportunities for business and workers.

The UK should be well-placed to compete in this market on the basis of our supportive business environment and highly skilled and flexible workforce.