§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimates are available of the number of bananas from the Windward Islands and Jamaica that would be bought in the United Kingdom if no trade preferences for those countries existed.
§ Mr. CurryNone. Our objective is an effective preferential arrangement after 1992, which will enable a continuing flow of bananas from the Caribbean, in line with the Community's commitments under the Lomé convention.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision is likely to be taken in the European Community on trade arrangements for bananas after 1992; and by whom.
§ Mr. CurryWe cannot say when a decision will be taken as no proposals have yet come forward from the European Commission. The decision will be taken by the Council of Ministers.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals have been put forward by the European Community Commission on preferences for imports of bananas from the Windward Islands and Jamaica after 1992.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the United Kingdom's position on trade preferences for imports of bananas from the Windward Islands and Jamaica after 1992 has changed since Her Majesty's Government's discussion paper was produced.
§ Mr. CurryThe Government continue to believe that the framework set out in that discussion paper provides the best means yet identified for balancing the different interests that would be affected by common arrangements for bananas. Discussions of the best way forward continue with all interested parties.