HC Deb 12 April 1994 vol 241 cc70-2W
Mr. Wells

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 March,Official Report, column 248, what is his policy in respect of the EC providing a special package of aid to Latin American banana-producing countries.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The United Kingdom has agreed to support some assistance to Latin American producers for diversification and development.

Mr. Wells

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 March,Official Report, column 248, what discussions he has had with Directorate-General VIII about the possibility of the EC providing a special package of aid to Latin American banana-producing countries.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

We have had discussions with Commission staff about how the Community should respond to the needs of all banana producers.

Mr. Wells

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 March,Official Report, column 248, what representation he has received from other EC member states on the possibility of the EC providing a special package of aid to Latin American banana-producing countries.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

None.

Mr. Wells

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 March,Official Report, column 248, if he will outline the amendments suggested by the United Kingdom to the EC proposal for aid to traditional African, Caribbean and Pacific banana-producing countries.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The amendments suggested by the United Kingdom will ensure funds are used to help sustain the economic viability of the industry and to promote restructuring.

Mr. Wells

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 March,Official Report, column 248, what discussions he has had with Directorate-General VIII on the amendments suggested by the United Kingdom to the EC proposal for aid to traditional African, Caribbean and Pacific banana-producing countries; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The amendments suggested by the United Kingdom are under discussion with Commission staff.

Mr. Wells

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 March,Official Report, column 248, what discussions he has had with (a) the Prime Ministers of the Windward Islands Governments, (b) the Windward Islands Banana Growers Association and (c) the four individual banana growers' associations of the Windward Islands on the amendments made by the United Kingdom to the EC proposal for aid to traditional African, Caribbean and Pacific banana-producing countries.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

My noble Friend Baroness Chalker of Wallasey has had several discussions about the EC proposal and the proposed United Kingdom amendments to it with the Prime Minister of Dominica, who was speaking on behalf of the Windward Island Governments. Our development division in the Caribbean is in close contact with WINBAN and the Banana Growers' Associations. Indeed, the amendments we have proposed are based on such discussions.

Mr. Wells

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 March,Official Report, column 248, what discussions he has had with other EC member states on the amendments suggested by the United Kingdom to the E2 proposal for aid to traditional African, Caribbean and Pacific banana-producing countries.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

If the Commission agrees to incorporate the United Kingdom amendments, the revised proposal will be discussed by all member states in a working group of the EC council of Ministers.

Mr. Wells

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 March,Official Report, column 248, what discussions he has had with the Commission about the likely date on which the EC aid package will be available to traditional African, Caribbean and Pacific banana-producing countries.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The ACP will be able to claim compensation for losses in the second half of 1993 as soon as the package is approved by the Council of Ministers.