HC Deb 05 May 1998 vol 311 c265W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps her Department is taking to lift trade barriers between South Africa and the European Market. [39768]

Mrs. Beckett

The Government strongly support the conclusion of a free trade area between the EU and South Africa. We believe that comprehensive market opening over a period of time in line with WTO rules will boost two-way trade and help economic development in the wider southern Africa region. As Presidency, we are supporting Commission efforts to complete negotiations with South Africa by the end of June.