Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 December 2004. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 December 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make it a condition of the United Kingdom's support for opening sea ports in northern Cyprus to EU trade that such ports adhere to (a) existing and future European ports directives and (b) health and safety requirements; and how he expects such rules will be enforced.

Answer: Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it a condition of the United Kingdom's support for opening sea ports in northern Cyprus to EU trade that such ports adhere to (a) existing and future European ports directives and (b) health and safety requirements; and how he expects such rules will be enforced. [202785] Mr. MacShane: The UK supports the EU's efforts to pass a regulation to enable preferential direct trade between the north of Cyprus and the EU as a way to fulfil the mandate by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 26 April to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community. The draft regulation has not, however, been passed nor has its substance been discussed in detail. When this happens, the Government will want to ensure that the UK's and EU's legitimate interests are protected.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 202785; 428 c599-600W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Enforcement EU law Health and safety EU external trade Ports Northern Cyprus
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk