Export Opportunities for SMEs 2023-02-09 (2)
2023-02-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the government's failure to meet its commitment of 80% UK trade being under free trade terms by the end of 2022.
What steps her Department is taking to help small and medium-sized businesses export products and services to new markets. The Government have failed in their commitment to deliver free trade agreements. Does the Minister believe that free trade deals with the USA and India would help more SMEs to export? If so, would he care to apologise to businesses for over-promising and under-delivering?
Trade agreements are important; 71 have been struck worldwide, including with the EU. Exports to the EU in 2021 were £330 billion, up from £298 billion in 2019.
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Assessment & feedback
Apology for over-promising and under-delivering
Trade Agreements Are Important; 71 Have Been Struck Worldwide, Including With The Eu.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes that her local hospital trust faces a significant deficit and long A&E wait times.
My local hospital trust faces a £45 million deficit, with 8-hour A&E waits affecting 2000 patients weekly. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine warns that underfunding correlates directly with increased mortality. I asked when the government will provide the promised £10 billion NHS funding increase and whether it includes capital investment for hospital infrastructure.
The Department is opening new markets and creating opportunities for exporters by agreeing new trade agreements. Recently, a deal was struck that allows Welsh lamb exports to the US.
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Assessment & feedback
NHS funding increase and capital investment
Department Is Opening New Markets
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scotch whisky industry will announce full-year export results for 2022, expecting significant growth despite high tariffs in India.
Will the Minister update the House on negotiations with India? Does he agree that a deal to reduce tariffs on Scotch whisky would be good not only for distillers but also for the wider supply chain?
We have an ambitious programme of free trade agreement negotiations to break down barriers. We are now in our sixth round of negotiations with India this week.
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Assessment & feedback
Agreement on reducing tariffs
Ambitious Programme Of Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
Response accuracy