Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 30 March 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 April 1998. It was answered by Barbara Roche (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 April 1998 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if, under the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, initiatives in one local authority area will be considered discriminatory against investors in that area if similar initiatives are not in place elsewhere. - (Holding answer 2 April 1998).

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the President of the Board of Trade if, under the Multilateral Agreement on Investment, initiatives in one local authority area will be considered discriminatory against investors in that area if similar initiatives are not in place elsewhere. [37351] Mrs. Roche: [holding answer 2 April 1998]: No. Policies towards investments, including local authorities' policies, may vary from area to area for legitimate reasons. Provided that a local authority's initiative does not disadvantage investors of one country compared with those of another in similar circumstances, it will not be considered discriminatory.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 37351; 310 c161W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Equality Functions Local government Multilateral Agreement on Investment