§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from the Scottish Executive on the impact of the Seattle round670W of negotiations of the World Trade Organisation on Scotland; and what consultation he has undertaken with bodies in Scotland in relation to the WTO. [107466]
§ Mr. Caborn[holding answer 2 February 2000]: There was no agreement in Seattle among WTO member governments on the terms for the launch of a new Round of trade negotiations. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State stated that the Government's position following the Seattle Conferences in the debate in the House on 9 December 1999, Official Report, columns 1022–94. As the Government remain committed to the launch of a new comprehensive Round of trade negotiations, the existing consultation processes it has in place remains valid. This includes a consultation exercise launched last year covering all of the UK. We will continue to hold meetings with people from across the UK including business, NGOs and trade unions at both official and ministerial level. While we have received no formal representations from the Scottish Executive in relation to Seattle, we will be keeping in touch with the First Minister and DTI officials will continue to have contacts with Scottish Executive officials on the range of issues.