Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Friday, 8 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 October 2004. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Monday, 18 October 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, what action (a) the Government and (b) the EU may take against non-EU countries who refuse access to their ports by the commercial fleet of an EU member state; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action (a) the Government and (b) the EU may take against non-EU countries who refuse access to their ports by the commercial fleet of an EU member state; and if he will make a statement. [190441] Mr. MacShane: This is a matter for the EU member state whose commercial fleet is refused access. The course of action is then dependent upon the circumstances and reasons for refusal of access to the ports in question.

Secondary information