HC Deb 27 March 1990 vol 170 cc135-6W
Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government are proposing to the European Commission for the study of the effect of 1992 on developing countries and of measures to limit any damaging effects.

Mr. Maude

We believe that the single market process will bring significant gains not just to the European Community, but to the entire international trading system, including the developing world. To this end we have consistently pressed for greater openness in trade to ensure that full benefits are achieved. We recently commissioned a study by the Overseas Development Institute, which confirmed that the single market should have a limited positive impact on developing countries, with particular opportunities for trade.

Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the effects of 1992 on developing countries.

Mr. Maude

The single market will bring significant gains to the international trading system and in particular should be of overall net benefit to developing countries. We have stressed the widespread advantages in discussing 1992 with Members of this House, members of the public, and with representatives of other Governments.

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