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Written question asked by Patrick Grady (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 27 February 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 March 2017 (named day). It was answered by Greg Hands (Conservative) on Thursday, 2 March 2017 on behalf of the Department for International Trade.

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, following the debate at European Committee B on 6 February 2017, and vote taken as division 151 on 8 February 2017, what further opportunities he expects Parliament to have to scrutinise the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement before the agreement is ratified by the UK.

Answer

Treaties, including CETA, that are subject to ratification, approval, acceptance, accession or the mutual notification of completion of procedures are typically laid before Parliament for scrutiny purposes for a period of 21 parliamentary sitting days under the provisions of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 (Part 2: ratification of treaties), which commenced on 11 November 2010. This legislation provides that the UK cannot legally ratify or consent to be bound by a treaty laid under its provisions until the statutory 21 sitting day process has elapsed. During the 21 sitting days, hon Members and Select Committees have the chance to scrutinise the treaty provisions, ask questions, and potentially report.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
65736
Session
2016-17
Related items
Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
Wednesday, 8 March 2017
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Parliamentary scrutiny Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk