Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor Phyllis Starkey (Labour), on Monday, 29 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 262 members in total.

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THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN SERVICES

That this House welcomes the statement in the Government's recent Globalisation White Paper that recognises the role of government in ensuring that basic services are provided to all; notes that negotiations to expand the reach of the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services are underway; further notes that the GATS applies to all tradable services, including public services, if they are provided commercially or in competition with other suppliers; further notes that the GATS applies to all levels of government, including local authorities; is concerned over the lack of parliamentary and public debate on this agreement given its far-reaching implications; and calls on the Government to ensure that there is an independent and thorough assessment of the likely impact of the extension of the GATS on the provision of key services both in the UK and internationally, particularly on the poor in developing countries.

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Secondary information

Type

Early day motion

Reference

260 

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Developing countries Trade agreements General Agreement on Trade in Services

Link

View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk