Written Answers. - GATT Negotiations.
Peter Barry
Question:
391
Mr. Barry
asked the
Minister for Tourism and Trade
when he anticipates the world trade talks will end; if the failure to meet the deadline of 15 January 1993 has any special significance; if the farm deal negotiated between the EC and the US in November, 1992 is having a knock-on effect on current negotiations; when he expects the deal to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In December last, efforts were intensified to reach agreement in the GATT negotiations, before the change of the US Administration in January 1993. These efforts proved unsuccessful and this was one of a number of deadlines for the conclusion of these negotiations which have not been met since the GATT ministerial meeting in Brussels in December 1990.
At this juncture, it is difficult to say when the negotiations might be concluded. This will depend to a significant extent on the final shape of the trade policy of the new US Administration which is still eagerly awaited. Early indications are that the Administration may be committed to a rapid conclusion to the round.
During his visit to the US in February, Sir Leon Britton, EC Commissioner for External Economic Affairs, was advised that the US will be seeking an extension of the "Fast Track" procedure, enabling a Uruguay Round agreement to be submitted to the US Congress as a package. While details were not provided concerning the length of any such extension, current thinking is that it may be for nine to 12 months, which is regarded as a realistic assessment of the time required to conclude the negotiations.
As to the farm deal negotiated between the EC Commission and the US last November, this did result in the recommencement in Geneva of the negotiations on the other topics in the Round, but little real progress has so far been made in any of these areas. A number of member states, including Ireland, hold serious concerns about the terms of the farm deal itself and it will have to be considered very carefully by the EC Council of Ministers in the context of any overall package submitted in the way of final agreement on the Uruguay Round.
Ireland remains fully committed to achieving a successful and balanced Uruguay Round Agreement, because of the major stimulus it would give the world economy. We continue to be of the view that a global and balanced agreement, which would contribute to a stable and well regulated world trading environment, would be very much in the national interest.
