HC Deb 01 December 1999 vol 340 cc216-7W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure legitimate concerns about health, environmental and animal welfare issues can be effectively accommodated with the rules of the World Trade Organisation. [100698]

Mr. Caborn

Existing WTO rules allow Governments wide scope to impose trade restrictions as a means of addressing concerns about health and many environmental issues. However, the Government, along with its EU partners, believe there is room for some improvements in the rules, particularly better to accommodate environmental and animal welfare concerns, and are pressing for these subjects to be included in the forthcoming negotiations.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who is the business representative on the Government's delegation to the World Trade Organisation meeting in Seattle. [100697]

Mr. Caborn

The business representative is the Chairman of the CBI's Trade Policy Working Group.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what (i) discussions he has had with and (ii) communications have been received from industry and business associations in respect of the World Trade Organisation meeting in Seattle. [100700]

Mr. Caborn

Ministers and officials have had many discussions with and communications from industry and business associations in respect of the meeting in Seattle. Broadly, industry is very supportive of the launch of a new comprehensive round of trade negotiations, recognising the importance to the UK economy of open markets and removing barriers to trade.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what position the Government will be adopting at the World Trade Organisation ministerial meetings in Seattle in respect of the previously agreed end to the multi-fibre arrangement. [100699]

Mr. Caborn

In the Government's view, the terms of the phase-out of the multi-fibre arrangement set out in the GATT Uruguay round agreement on textiles and clothing (ATC) should not be reopened and all signatories should implement the agreement in full.