Written question asked by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Friday, 17 February 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 February 2012. It was answered by Norman Lamb (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 27 February 2012 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

EU External Trade: Colombia

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 31 January 2012, Official Report, columns 37-8WS, on trade policy (opt-ins), what steps he plans to take to ratify the EU trade agreement with Colombia and Peru; and whether he plans to schedule debate and decision on the matter in the House.

Answer: The Trade Agreement between the EU and Colombia and Peru will be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) in March. Thereafter signature will take place. The consent of the European Parliament will be sought in late summer after which aspects of the agreement will be provisionally applied, before final conclusion. In due course a Command Paper and statutory instrument will be laid, and I expect to schedule discussions on the agreement in both Houses.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 95817; 541 c166W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Trade Policy (Opt-ins)
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects: EU external trade Latin America
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk