HL Deb 14 November 1996 vol 575 c112WA
Lord Judd

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress is being made in the negotiations for a free trade agreement between South Africa and the European Union, with particular reference to access to the European Union for South African agricultural exports.

Lord Fraser of Carmyllie

The EU's negotiating position for a free trade area with South Africa was adopted at the General Affairs Council on 25th March 1996. In the vote on the negotiating directives, the UK abstained, joining Sweden in a statement to the Council underlining our commitment to liberalisation in all sectors including agriculture, and noting our opposition to any list of products to be excluded from the negotiations.

Since March technical discussions have taken place between the Commission and South Africa but a formal response to the EU's offer of a free trade area is still awaited.