§ 25. Dr. PalmerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what approach he intends to take in pursuing international trade liberalisation. [71623]
§ Mr. WilsonThe Government seek actively to work with the EU and with the UK's major trading partners, through such mechanisms as the Transatlantic Economic Partnership and the Asia-Europe meeting, to encourage the reduction of barriers to trade in overseas markets. In particular, the Government share the European Union's support for a comprehensive new Round of trade374W liberalisation negotiations to be launched at the World Trade Organisation's next Ministerial meeting, to be held in Seattle, USA in November-December this year. A comprehensive Round offers the best chance of ensuring real gains for all participants, including developing countries.