§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made since September on negotiations with the European Commission to reinstate the Generalised System of Preferences in Iraq. [145606]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe UK has continued to make representation to the European Commission on Iraq's eligibility under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), conveying the UK Government's wish to reinstate GSP in Iraq as soon as possible. The UK will continue to press for progress on this matter. DG Trade in the Commission have indicated their agreement of the importance of re-establishing GSP in Iraq as soon as possible.
With Iraq, the situation remains the same and a suitable body to take responsibility for the necessary administration of GSP has still to be identified.