To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from (a) African, Caribbean and Pacific Governments, (b) UK companies, (c) other companies, (d) corporate umbrella groups and trade associations and (e) other EU Governments with regard to economic partnership agreements. (98478)

The Minister for Trade and Investment and Foreign Affairs has had numerous representations from ACP and other EU Governments, and I will be meeting with ACP Ministers and their negotiators at the Commonwealth Secretariat on 2 November and look forward to further discussion on that occasion. The Department has received some representations from UK businesses and umbrella organisations who want EU tariffs to be lowered further to ensure they are able to use competitively priced imports. However, no business representation has been received seeking access to ACP markets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to bring forward each of the economic partnership agreements between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific nations for ratification by Parliament; and if he will make a statement. (98480)

Negotiations between the European Commission and ACP regions on economic partnership agreements are due to be completed by the end of 2007. As the question of ratification will depend on the content of the agreement, we will not be able to give a clearer answer until closer to that point.