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 assessment he has made of the compliance of (a) Colombia and (b) Peru with the human rights clause of the EU trade agreement.

Answer: Provisional application of the EU-Andean Multiparty Trade Agreement will not commence until after the European Parliament gives consent to the agreement which we do not expect to take place until July 2012 or later: therefore no assessment can yet be made of parties' compliance with the human rights clause. The Government believe that trade agreements can help to create circumstances of stability in which human rights have a better chance of flourishing. The UK pressed hard for a robust and legally binding human rights clause in the agreement.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 95818; 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