HC Deb 12 April 1994 vol 241 cc99-100W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the effects on United Kingdom sovereignty of the trade policies of the European Union.

Mr. Heseltine

Under article 113 of the treaty of Rome, the EC acts as a single party in most areas of trade policy. The Commission negotiates for the Community, in consultation with member states and subject to Council approval of resulting agreements. The United Kingdom remains a GATT contracting party, and will be an original member of the World Trade Organisation.