WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE

Early day motion 68, tabled 22 November 1999 by Joan Walley (Labour). Signed by 92 members.

That this House welcomes the Government's stated commitment to approach an international investment treaty with a 'blank sheet of paper', and to make the forthcoming round of trade negotiations a 'development round'; but notes with concern the decline in terms of trade for the poorest countries and their marginalisation from world trade, the recent trade disputes which have undermined the EU's policies on health and development to protect workers; consumers and animal welfare, promote sustainable development and reduce poverty, the aims of the US negotiators to open health and education sectors to US companies and the EU proposals to extend the mandate of the World Trade Organisation into major new areas such as government procurement and investments; and calls on the Government to instigate a review of the existing powers and responsibilities of the World Trade Organisation in advance of any decision to extend its remit to include investment issues.

Signatures by party: Labour 57, Liberal Democrat 24, Labour/Co-operative 6, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 2, Scottish National Party 1.