EU/US BANANA DISPUTE

Early day motion 687, tabled 26 May 1999 by Jim Marshall (Labour). Signed by 24 members.

That this House is concerned about the situation that has developed regarding Beamglow, a packaging company in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire as a result of the ongoing banana dispute between the European Union and the United States of America; notes that the narrow nature of the definition of packaging that the United States has detailed for sanctions falls almost wholly on this one company; recognises that unless urgent assistance is given to this company, which is carrying over 90 per cent. for the category of printed cartons, this will inevitably result in closure of the company; and urges the Government to underwrite the tariff duty by extending the band scheme that was agreed for the cashmere industry.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Liberal Democrat 2, UUP 1.