HC Deb 13 April 1994 vol 241 cc231-2W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from(a) individual companies in (i) the west midlands and (ii) Coventry, (b) the Confederation of British Industry and (c) local chambers of commerce, regarding the implications of GATT.

Mr. Needham

My Department has responded to a large number of inquiries from companies, trade associations and chambers of commerce about the results of the GATT Uruguay round.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the implications for the aerospace industry of the proposed GATT agreements; and when he expects the agreement relating to that sector to be reached.

Mr. Needham

Negotiations on a GATT agreement on trade in civil aircraft are continuing. The Government's objective for these negotiations is to conclude an agreement which covers the whole aerospace sector, and which includes strict and balanced disciplines on direct and indirect government supports. On 14 December 1993, members of the GATT civil aircraft committee agreed that these negotiations would continue for a further year, ending in December 1994.