Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 11 July 2007 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Doha Trade Round

Question: On the issue of the EU, the Minister will be closely following the discussions between the European Commission and developing countries about economic partnership agreements. If EPAs cannot be negotiated and agreed by December, will the British Government accept the Commission’s imposing of the generalised system of preferences, or will the Minister press for an extension of the WTO waiver?

Answer: The hon. Gentleman is also right to highlight the importance of the economic partnership agreement discussions that are currently under way. They have the potential to deliver considerable economic benefits and contribute to poverty reduction across Africa, the Caribbean and indeed the Pacific. We are pleased with recent progress made in the negotiations, particularly regarding flexibility and the generous market access offer that the Commission has put forward. We are also pleased with the renewed enthusiasm across all six negotiating groups in the ACP to conclude negotiations by the end of December.

Secondary information