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13 Dec 2005 : Column 1903W—continued
Exports (Developing Countries)
Mr. Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures have been taken to reduce the effects of (a) European tariffs and (b) farm subsidies on the export earnings of developing countries. [35606]
Ian Pearson: The long-term aims of the Government are to abolish all trade-distorting agricultural subsidies and all barriers to agricultural trade in the form of tariffs or quotas, providing increased opportunities for developing countries to trade their way out of poverty. In the context of the current World Trade Organisation trade round, the Doha Development Agenda, the current EU offer envisages a 38.9 per cent. average reduction in EU tariffs, a 70 per cent. reduction in EU AMS (aggregate measure of support) domestic subsidies and the elimination of export subsidies. The recent reform of the sugar sector will reduce substantially the EU's use of export subsidies and the Government are pressing for agreement of a 2010 end date for all export subsidies.
Non-agricultural Market Access
Mr. Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with his Brazilian counterpart about non-agricultural market access; and if he will make a statement on progress on this issue in advance of the Hong Kong World Trade Organisation negotiations. [35603]
Ian Pearson: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has had discussions with his Brazilian counterpart, Celso Amorim, on a number of occasions-both in person, and on the telephone.
The WTO General Council adopted on 2 December 2005 a draft Ministerial declaration for discussion at Hong Kong. The text on Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) text notes that much work remains to be done to conclude the negotiations. It indicates that agreement should be reached by Ministers at Hong Kong on a date by which modalities should be agreed, and by which draft schedules will be agreed.
The Chair of the Negotiating Group also, on his own authority, produced a report, which is annexed to the draft ministerial declaration. This highlights the areas of convergence and divergence between WTO members on NAMA. It also provides guidance on further action at or after the Hong Kong ministerial conference.
Postal Services
Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if his Department will ensure that the all post offices that want to provide vehicle licensing services are able to do so; and what plans his Department has to make rural post offices more economically viable. [34145]
Barry Gardiner
[holding answer 2 December 2005]: Decisions on the number of outlets able to issue motor vehicle licences are a matter for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Its current contract with Post Office Limited limits the number of post offices providing this facility to 4,500.
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The Government are currently considering the future of the rural post office network. No decisions on this will be taken until Government have considered the findings of the Post Office Ltd. report of their pilot programme, trialling new and innovative ways of delivering postal services to rural communities. The Report is due to be presented to Government at the end of the year. This will be considered alongside analysis of the network currently being conducted.
Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the future of the rural Post Office network. [35527]
Barry Gardiner [holding answer 7 December 2005]: The Government have made it clear that they will make informed decisions about the longer-term future of the rural post office network in light of the Post Office Ltd. Report into their trials of new and innovative means of delivering postal services to rural communities. The Report is due to be delivered to Government by the end of this year. This will be considered alongside analysis of the network currently being conducted.
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to ensure that the (a) implications and (b) costs of delivering the universal service obligation are shared with postal operators in addition to the Royal Mail. [35769]
Barry Gardiner: The Government's highest priority for the postal sector is to ensure the provision of a universal service. The costs of providing that service, and the appropriate price levels for its delivery, are a matter for Postcomm, taking into account the effects of market liberalisation.
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish his Department's analysis of other EU states with regard to whether they have a (a) fully state-owned postal service, (b) partially liberalised postal service and (c) fully liberalised postal service. [35773]
Barry Gardiner: A comprehensive study on the development of competition, in the European postal sector was undertaken by Ecorys on behalf of the EU Commission in July 2005. It includes analyses of market share held by the Universal Service Provider in each member state, and of its ownership structure. The study is available on the Commission's web-site at:
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with Postcomm on whether the Royal Mail should end cross-subsidisation of services. [35774]
Barry Gardiner:
The issue of cross subsidies within Royal Mail's services is a matter for Postcomm, acting in accordance with to the requirements of the EU Postal Services Directives. These permit cross-subsidies between the different service elements of the universal service, but not between universal services and non-universal services.
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Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the social and economic value of the rural post office network. [35728]
Barry Gardiner: We are working closely with other Government Departments and key stakeholders to assess the social and economic value of the rural network.
As set out in Section 42 of the Postal Services Act 2000, Postcomm, the regulator for postal services, is tasked with providing Government with clear advice about developments in the post office network. Postcomm's annual report to Government on issues relating to the post office network includes consideration of the social and economic value of the rural post office network.
Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by what date negotiations on Government funding for the rural post office network from 2008 onwards are planned to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [35729]
Barry Gardiner: Post Office Ltd will shortly report to Government the findings of pilot activity to test new and innovative ways of providing post office services. Government will consider the implications for future access and funding for the network beyond 2008 at that point.
Power Stations
Mrs. James: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment he has made of coal-powered power stations' emissions. [34797]
Mr. Bradshaw: I have been asked to reply.
Pollution controls on coal-fired power stations in England and Wales, are a matter for the Environment Agency. Theses controls are set in authorisations issued under the Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) system or in permits under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) system, which is replacing IPC.
Under these systems, the operator has to routinely monitor and report on emissions. This information is placed on public registers at the local Environment Agency offices and the local authority public registers. No change is being contemplated in emission limits for coal-fired power stations. These stations routinely produce their highest output during winter peak demand and controls are set to protect the environment to accommodate this.
Mrs. James: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent (a) discussions he has had and (b) representations he has received about flue gas desulphurisation at existing power stations. [34800]
Mr. Bradshaw: I have been asked to reply.
Pollution controls on coal-fired power stations in England and Wales, are a matter for the Environment Agency. Theses controls are set in authorisations issued under the Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) system or in permits under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) system, which is replacing IPC.
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The Environment Agency is undertaking pre-application discussions with organisations considering flue gas desulphurisation, and applications are expected next year. Once received, the applications will be placed on public registers at the local Environment Agency offices and the local authority public registers. An advertisement will be placed in the local press to indicate that the applications have been received and invite comments from the public. The Environment Agency will also provide copies to statutory consultees.
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