HC Deb 02 April 1996 vol 275 cc146-7W
Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions Her Majesty's Government have had with the(a) Canadian and (b) Mexican Governments regarding action in relation to the United States Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act. [24117]

Mr. Nelson

We have been in regular contact with the Canadian and Mexican Governments concerning the US legislation.

Mr. Lloyd

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions Her Majesty's Government have held with the EU in respect of World Trade Organisation action against the United States Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act. [24120]

Mr. Nelson

Her Majesty's Government have been in close contact with our EU partners and the European Commission about the implications of the US legislation. The question of its compatibility with the United States' international obligations, including those of the WTO, is one aspect which is being considered.

Mr. Lloyd

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the United States Administration regarding extra-territorial aspects of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act. [24121]

Mr. Nelson

The UK has already made a number of representations to the US Administration expressing its concern at the extra-territorial aspects of the US legislation. We shall be making further representations shortly.

Mr. Lloyd

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action Her Majesty's Government will take to protect United Kingdom companies and individuals that are the subject of litigation in United States courts, with particular reference to the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act. [24116]

Mr. Nelson

The provisions in the US legislation which give US nationals a right of action against non-US persons allegedly trafficking in expropriated property do not enter into force until 1 August and may be suspended by the President on a six-monthly basis. We shall be pressing the US Administration to make use of this provision for suspension.