§ Mr. HowardTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the timetable for discussions on free trade between Mexico and the EU. [51305]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonWe strongly support the strengthening of EU/Mexico relations, including the liberalisation of trade in goods and services. As EU Presidency, we secured EU agreement to Negotiating Directives which clear the path for formal negotiations with Mexico. The UK will be looking for a package that is fully compatible with WTO rules and offers the EU similar access to the Mexican market as that already given to Mexico's NAFTA partners, the US and Canada. We expect negotiations to begin after the Summer break when the Mexicans have had time to consider EU proposals.