Written question asked by Lord Redwood (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 September 2003. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Thursday, 18 September 2003 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, whether the United Kingdom tried to change the EU policy at the Cancún Summit in the light of the views of developing countries.

Answer: Mr. Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the United Kingdom tried to change the EU policy at the Cancun Summit in the light of the views of developing countries. [131247] Ms Hewitt: The UK played a major role in supporting the EU's negotiating mandate at Cancun. We were able to use our particular links with Commonwealth and others to understand their concerns and to explain to them the EU position and vice versa. We and others were able to relay to the Commission the concerns which some developing countries had on some issues e.g. the Singapore issues. I myself have for some time made it clear publically and privately that, while I strongly support developing countries receiving more foreign direct investment, it is not a priority of this government to launch negotiations on an investment agreement. It was Commissioner Lamy who took the decision, with agreement of all EU members states to drop the proposal to launch negotiations on the WTO agreements on investment and competition.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 131247; 410 c883W;410 c881W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Developing countries Trade Trade agreements World Trade Organization International economic relations EU trade
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk