HC Deb 28 October 1985 vol 84 cc354-5W
Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the European Economic Community Commission document, 8667/85 concerning the establishment of an export stabilisation system; what discussions have been held by European Economic Community Foreign Ministers on this subject; and what conclusions were reached.

Mr. Rifkind

At its meeting on 1 October, the Foreign Affairs Council agreed that the European Community should offer to establish a new system of compensation for losses of export earnings on various commodities for the benefit of a number of least-developed countries not already covered by the provisions of the Lomé convention. An announcement to this effect as made at the mid-term review of the UN-sponsored substantial new programme of action for least developed countries held in Geneva from 30 September-11 October.