Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

Electronic Trade Documents Bill - Third Reading

10 July 2023 · 4 other contributors

Opened by Paul Scully Con Bromley and Chislehurst

Business & Trade

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Paul Scully raised concerns about electronic trade documents bill - third reading in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Minister proposes the Third Reading of the Electronic Trade Documents Bill, thanking Members for their support.
  • The Bill aims to remove legal impediments for electronic documents, aligning them with paper documents based on certain criteria.
  • The legislation is expected to save businesses an estimated 1.1 billion over the next decade.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Paul Scully Con Bromley and Chislehurst

The Minister proposes the Third Reading of the Electronic Trade Documents Bill, thanking all Members for their support during its passage. He highlights that the Bill follows Law Commission recommendations to remove legal impediments for electronic documents, ensuring they are recognised in the same way as paper documents provided certain tests are met. The Bill is expected to save businesses an estimated £1.1 billion over the next 10 years and will place the UK at the forefront of international trade by digitalising processes. He expresses gratitude towards all who contributed to the legislation.

Other contributors (4)
  • Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd

    The Opposition fully supports the Bill, seeing it as an important reform that will allow for the legal recognition of electronic trade documents. It addresses the significant paperwork and red tape in international trade by enabling a shift towards digital processes. The Bill is seen as a means to unlock the potential for smoother and more efficient trade operations without disadvantaging UK businesses.

  • Anthony Mangnall Con West Penwith

    The MP supports the Bill, highlighting its importance in streamlining trade processes outside of the European Union. He emphasises the benefits for sectors such as fishing and food exports, where documentation plays a crucial role in profitability and market access. The Bill is expected to enhance opportunities for small businesses and align with Commonwealth countries' similar policies.

  • Patrick Grady SNP Garscadden

    Echos thanks to Bill teams and discusses how the bill eases regulatory burdens on businesses by allowing legal recognition of electronic trade documents. Suggests that this could be worth over £1 billion in value to UK's international trade over 10 years, reducing bureaucracy and improving data sharing for analytics about goods movement, particularly reducing food waste and environmental impact across supply chains. Criticises the short scrutiny time given to the bill in both Houses of Parliament.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Welcomes the Bill as a means to cut unnecessary red tape and provide legal mechanism for electronic trade documents. Notes concern over necessary security and accountability in shipping documentation, while welcoming reduction of costs associated with paper trade documents and shift towards environmentally friendly system.

Government Response

Government Minister

The Minister thanked Mr Mangnall for his support and clarified that health certificates are not within the scope of the current Bill, though other sectors will still benefit.

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