§ 25. Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he will take to ensure that consideration is given to environmental protection and sustainable development at the Seattle round of the WTO. [95849]
§ Mr. CabornThe UK and EU are committed to ensuring that sustainable development is a key objective for the new round and that the relationship between trade and the environment is included as a subject of negotiations.
26. Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the EU position in respect of the WTO negotiations. [95850]
§ Mr. CabornThe UK's and EU's priority for the WTO Ministerial Conference in Seattle later this year is to secure the launch of an ambitious, comprehensive round of negotiations aimed at a substantial package to remove trade barriers and so promote growth and jobs in the world economy. Our particular priorities for these negotiations include agriculture, services, industrial tariffs, regulatory standards, trade facilitation, government procurement, intellectual property rights, investment, competition and the environment. Throughout the round we shall want to ensure that the interests of developing countries are taken fully into account. The EU's position for Seattle was discussed at an informal meeting of EU Trade Ministers on 1 October in Florence and at the General Affairs Council on 11 October. Formal Council Conclusions were agreed on 26 October.