HC Deb 14 January 2004 vol 416 c791W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had since 14 September 2003 with the Director General of the World Trade Organisation about the status of papers produced by chairmen and facilitators of working groups, and the role of the World Trade Organisation Secretariat, at World Trade Organisation Ministerials. [146596]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

My right hon. Friend has discussed various issues with Dr. Supachai, since 14 September, including the organisation of WTO Ministerial conferences.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what immediate reforms she has proposed to the conduct of World Trade Organisation Ministerials. [146615]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The Government have discussed a number of proposals for the reform of the WTO with our EU partners and the European Commission. These proposals are reflected in the commission's strategy paper, "Reviving the DDA Negotiations—the EU perspective", which was endorsed by the European Council of Ministers on 8 December last year.

However, it is vital that reform of the WTO should not distract members from pursuing the Doha Development Agenda.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what submission her Department has made to the Sutherland Commission on longer-term reforms of World Trade Organisation Ministerials. [146635]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The Government have discussed a number of proposals for the reform of the WTO with our EU partners and the European Commission. These proposals are reflected in the Commission's strategy paper, "Reviving the DDA Negotiations—the EU perspective", which was endorsed by the European Council of Ministers on 8 December last year.