The policy clerk has provided an advice note on a number of technical proposals that are being considered today as all relate to aspects of EU trade policy, an exclusive competency of the European Union. The proposals in the early warning notes are COM (2012) 277, COM (2012) 233, COM (2012) 237, COM (2012) 264, COM (2012) 269, COM (2012) 270, COM (2012) 294, COM (2012) 353, COM (2012) 424, COM (2012) 449, COM (2012) 453, COM (2012) 507, COM (2012) 524, COM (2012) 534, COM (2012) 544, COM (2012) 555 and COM (2012) 580. The early warning notes are (2011) C 121-71, (2012) C 160-19, C 166-3, C 175-12, C 239-2, C 240-15, L 134-12, L 153-8, L 165-37, L 203-37, L 251-29, L 252-33, L 258-21, C 55-14 and C 71-23. On the basis of the information provided by the lead Department on these linked proposals, it is proposed that they do not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed?
Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals
It is not agreed. Most of these proposals relate to trade and below-cost products that enter the European Union. I do not have a difficulty with any of them. However, COM (2012) 524 deals with the opening up of the EU market to Burma. As we know, products that have come from Burma to date have had increased tariffs imposed on them because of the use of forced labour practices. Given that the recommendation is to lift the restrictions and bearing in mind that support has been given by the International Labour Conference, it is important the committee dealing with foreign affairs examine this matter. I recommend that we make a recommendation to it, obtain its advice on what is happening in Burma and determine whether it supports the lifting of the tariffs, for the reasons given.
Is it agreed that we send COM (2012) 524 to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade for further scrutiny? Agreed. Is it agreed that all the other proposals do not warrant further scrutiny?
Will there be a delay? Developments are obviously rapid in Burma at present and its democratic process is changing. We would not want to hold this up for too long.
There will not be a delay. The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade is meeting at 3.30 p.m. today so it can move quickly on the matter if it wants. Members of this committee may attend. Are the other proposals agreed to? Agreed.