---

European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Agreements concluded under Article XXI GATS) Order 2009

I thank the Minister for introducing the order. The following questions are key to our understanding of the background to and respective outcomes of this order. First, what assessment has been made of the impact of these new measures on British trade patterns and interests overall? Secondly, has the Minister noted that the agreements and potential disruptions appear to fall on a wide range of what were previously seen as developing countries, and which, given the shift in global economic activity, may now be the cutting-edge countries and major markets of tomorrow? What is the Government’s position on that? Thirdly, given that several of the affected countries are leading members of the Commonwealth, what assessment has been made of the effect of the order on the Commonwealth network? Fourthly, and related to the point I have just made, were Commonwealth members consulted closely and at all stages before Her Majesty’s Government acquiesced to these agreements? Fifthly, what representations were received direct to Her Majesty’s Government about the impact of these agreements or the calculation of compensation from Commonwealth countries? The Minister will understand that not to have addressed these key questions would be somewhat negligent, risking our longer-term interests and the new trade and investment patterns that are now emerging.