§ Mr. Whitneyasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the results of the ministerial conference on the renegotiation of the Lomé convention which took place in Brussels from 25 to 27 June between the European Economic Community and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States concerned.
§ Mr. HurdMy hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Mr. Whitney) tabled this question for written reply on 29 June 1979. By a regrettable oversight, my answer was not sent for printing in theOfficial Report. The answer is as follows:
The text of a new Convention was substantially agreed. I led the United Kingdom delegation at the Conference.This text provides, in particular, for improved access to the Community market for Commonwealth ACP exports of rum and beef; 224W for increased amounts of Community aid and European Investment Bank lending under the new Convention; for expanding the product coverage of the Stabex scheme; for an arrangement designed to cover the special problems of ACP mineral producers; and for new commitments on both sides as regards the promotion and protection of investments in the ACP from the Community and its member States.Final acceptance by the ACP awaits clarification of texts, examination by individual ACP Governments and, probably, approval by an ACP ministerial conference. A similar procedure was followed in the case of the present convention. The Community for its part made plain that the negotiations were in substance concluded.Her Majesty's Government are satisfied that this new convention will represent an important consolidation and improvement of the present Lomé Convention, on the basis of equality, and in full respect of the independence and sovereignty of the parties concerned.