To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what factors he takes into consideration when considering the circumstances in which it is appropriate to apply trade sanctions against any country.

The imposition of trade sanctions is a matter for the Community as a whole. In considering whether such action is appropriate, the Government must have regard not only to the reasons why sanctions may be necessary but also to their likely impact and effectiveness and to the response of others. In addition, we need to consider the broader implications for our foreign, trade and competition policy.