HC Deb 23 March 1999 vol 328 cc190-1W
Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the World Trade Organisation about the effects of biotechnology on developing countries. [78360]

Mr. Foulkes

The Department for International Development (DFID) is actively involved in discussions with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAFF) and Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR) to ensure that developing country interests in the effects of biotechnology are properly accounted for in World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations. In addition we are working with international agencies to build the capacity of developing countries to represent their own interests in the WTO.

All WTO members have an opportunity in the preparatory process for a new round of trade negotiations to set out any concerns they may have regarding existing WTO agreements. We will be working to ensure that specific points are taken forward appropriately.

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