HC Deb 17 January 1994 vol 235 cc382-3W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the Government's policy towards negotiating bilateral agreements with(a) Russia, (b) Hungary and (c) the Czech Republic in relation to reducing tariff or other trade barriers on agricultural products and food manufactured products; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Jack

I have been asked to reply.

The negotiation of trade agreements is undertaken on behalf of the Community by the European Commission, working from mandates approved by the Council of Ministers. Europe agreements have been concluded both with Hungary and the Czech Republic, as well as with Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria. These provide access to the Community market at concessionary rates of import charge for a wide range of agricultural and processed agricultural products, as well as favourable access terms for the Community's farm exports to their markets. The United Kingdom strongly supported the negotiation of these agreements which should help the development of more market-oriented economic structures in those countries.

Russia benefits from certain agricultural concessionary arrangements under the Community's generalised scheme of preference. Negotiations are currently under way for a partnership and co-operation agreement with Russia. This agreement does not contain specific trade concessions but does hold out the possibility of a free trade agreement in the future.