HC Deb 17 February 1998 vol 306 cc563-4W
Mr. Chaytor

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the exemptions tabled by the United Kingdom as part of the draft texts of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment and place in the Library copies of the exemptions tabled by other OECD countries. [29926]

Mrs. Roche

The UK's draft list of exceptions has already been placed in the Library. It includes exceptions for broadcasting, fishing, marine and air transport, and financial services. The draft lists from other countries have been tabled in confidence; it would not be appropriate for the UK to make them public.

Mr. Stunell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what safeguards for local authorities and Government departments and agencies she has(a) sought and (b) achieved to date in relation to potential claims of discrimination arising under the Multilateral Agreement on Investment currently being negotiated. [28328]

Mrs. Roche

The UK, like other participants in the MAI negotiations, has submitted a list of exceptions where we are not willing to have the obligations of the Agreement apply. The list contains no exceptions specifically related to local authorities, since discrimination against investors on grounds of nationality is not a factor in their decisions. Any claims under the MAI would be made against the national government.