THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN SERVICES

Early day motion 260, tabled 29 January 2001 by Phyllis Starkey (Labour). Signed by 262 members.

That this House welcomes the statement in the Government's recent Globalisation White Paper that recognises the role of government in ensuring that basic services are provided to all; notes that negotiations to expand the reach of the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services are underway; further notes that the GATS applies to all tradable services, including public services, if they are provided commercially or in competition with other suppliers; further notes that the GATS applies to all levels of government, including local authorities; is concerned over the lack of parliamentary and public debate on this agreement given its far-reaching implications; and calls on the Government to ensure that there is an independent and thorough assessment of the likely impact of the extension of the GATS on the provision of key services both in the UK and internationally, particularly on the poor in developing countries.

Signatures by party: Labour 174, Liberal Democrat 39, Conservative 20, Labour/Co-operative 11, Scottish National Party 5, Plaid Cymru 4, DUP 2, Independent 2, UUP 2, Independent Labour 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UKUP 1.