World Trade Organisation (Hansard, 21 October 1997)

HL Deb 21 October 1997 vol 582 c201WA 201WA

§ Lord Lester of Herne Hill
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Clinton-Davis on 31 July 1997 (WA 97), whether the human rights record of potential new member countries is taken into account in deciding whether the country should be admitted to the World Trade Organisation.

§ The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Clinton-Davis)
World Trade Organisation (WTO) accession negotiations involve applicant countries agreeing to abide by WTO rules and making commitments on market access. WTO negotiations do not cover the human rights records of applicant countries. The decision whether to admit a new member is taken by the general council of the WTO.