APPENDIX 2: CALL FOR EVIDENCE
Multilateral negotiations to reduce trade tariffs
have been a feature of the second half of the twentieth century.
However as we enter the twenty first century, securing a new multilateral
agreement has proved increasingly difficult, and the number of
bilateral agreements is rising. Levels of trade and capital flows
continue to grow, and enhancements in information technology have
created unprecedented opportunities for trade development, alongside
new pressures on natural resources. With these factors in mind,
the Sub-Committee, under the Chairmanship of Baroness Cohen of
Pimlico, has decided to commence an inquiry into the future of
European trade policy.
The inquiry will seek to answer the following key
questions:
(i) What are the future prospects for multilateral
trade negotiations? What effect will the rising number of bilateral
agreements have on the existence and further development of multilateral
agreements?
(ii) What role can European trade policy play
to stimulate growth and create jobs in Europe?
(iii) What should be the relationship between
European trade policy and policies on development, climate change
and depletion of natural resources?
(iv) Have developing countries benefited from
multilateral trade agreements? What steps should European trade
policy take to help less developed countries reap the benefits
of global trade?
(v) Is there still a need for Trade Defence Instruments,
and if so, how can these be designed to ensure that their effects
are targeted and proportionate?
(vi) What is the best approach for ensuring that
Intellectual Property Rights are protected? Do these rights hinder
development goals—and if so, how can an appropriate balance
be struck?
(vii) Services represent 77% of European GDP
and employment. What are the best mechanisms to remove barriers
to trade in services? Is the GATS still fit for purpose?
(viii)Is there still a role for the WTO in the 21st
Century?
GUIDANCE TO THOSE SUBMITTING WRITTEN EVIDENCE
Written evidence is invited in response to the questions
above, to arrive no later than Friday 29 February 2008.
Evidence should be submitted in hard copy and
electronically to Simon Blackburn, Committee Office, House of
Lords, London SW1A 0PW; fax 020 7219 6715; e-mail blackburns@parliament.uk.
Short submissions are preferred. A submission longer
than six pages should include a one-page summary.
Evidence must be clearly printed or typed on single
sides of A4 paper, unstapled.
Paragraphs should be numbered. If drawings or charts
are included, these must be black-and-white and of camera-ready
quality. Evidence should be signed and dated, with a note of the
author's name and status, and of whether the evidence is submitted
on an individual or corporate basis. Only one copy is required.
All submissions will be acknowledged promptly.
Evidence becomes the property of the Committee, and
may be published or circulated by the Committee at any stage.
Once you have received acknowledgement that the evidence has been
received, you may publicise or publish your evidence yourself,
but in doing so you must indicate that it was prepared for the
Committee.
Persons who submit written evidence, and others,
may be invited to give oral evidence. Oral evidence is usually
given in public at Westminster, and transcripts are published.
Persons invited to give oral evidence will be notified separately
of the procedure to be followed and the topics likely to be discussed.
You may follow the progress of the inquiry from the
Weekly Bulletin of House of Lords Select Committees. This is free,
and may be ordered from Committee Office, House of Lords, London
SW1A OPW, telephone 020 7219 6678. Alternatively, consult the
UK Parliament website at http://www.parliament.uk/selectcommittees.
This is a public call for evidence. You are encouraged
to bring it to the attention of other groups and individuals who
may not have received a copy directly.
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