§ Mr. DawsonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the impact of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment on the Government's efforts to assist poor countries; and if she will make a statement. [26717]
§ Clare ShortThe Government support the aim of providing a better international framework for investment, which we believe has an important part to play in helping the poorest countries attract inward investment. My Department is commissioning a study to look at any implications the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) may have for developing countries, which we will share with our negotiating partners. Although the MAI is not designed for poorer developing countries, we support continued consultation with them on this matter.