Written question asked by Paul Robert Holmes (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 22 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 March 2010. It was answered by Ian Lucas (Labour) on Thursday, 25 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

General Agreement on Trade in Services: EU Action

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions his Department has had with the European Commission Directorate-General of Trade on the inclusion of Mode 4 provision in EU trade agreements.

Answer: The European Commission negotiates on behalf of member states on all trade in services issues, including Mode 4, at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and in negotiations to establish in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).The Commission regularly consults member states on the content of relevant trade in services negotiations, including on Mode 4.Formally, this consultation takes place via the Trade Policy Committee (TPC), especially the TPC (Services and Investment) which generally meets fortnightly and which is attended by officials from my Department.

Secondary information