Trade Australia and New Zealand 2022-03-03
2022-03-03
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is following up on the signing of free trade agreements between the UK and these countries, focusing on potential benefits for British exporters and smaller businesses.
What steps her Department is taking to increase trade with (a) Australia and (b) New Zealand. I congratulate my right hon. Friend on signing the free trade agreement with New Zealand, which is another positive step in rebuilding the bonds and historic links we have with Commonwealth nations. But does she agree that we must do all we can to maintain the benefits secured by this deal by ensuring that any changes to alcohol duty will deliver for UK consumers?
The free trade agreements will end tariffs for British exporters, slash red tape, increase bilateral trade by 53% with Australia and 59% with New Zealand in the medium term. The deals remove all tariffs on New Zealand products, saving up to 20p a bottle on New Zealand wine. The question on domestic taxation continues to be one that the Treasury looks at based on the health of our citizens.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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The president of the Farmers Union of Wales expressed concerns about both the Australia and New Zealand trade deals regarding imported meat tonnage, whether it will be bone-in or deboned.
Could the Secretary of State clarify here at the Dispatch Box what is meant by the importation of meat in terms of being on the bone or filleted, as this will make a significant difference to the scale of flooding of the UK market?
The Secretary of State agreed to ensure that officials liaise with the Farmers Union of Wales for clarity on trade deal details. She mentioned publishing all paperwork and relevant support documents for Parliament and the wider community to inspect, specifically addressing the issue this week.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct answer regarding whether imported meat will be bone-in or deboned; instead committed to liaising with the Farmers Union of Wales.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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The International Trade Committee was not given adequate time to scrutinize the New Zealand deal, as contrasted with the eight-day notice provided to the Trade and Agriculture Commission.
Can she tell us why the International Trade Committee was not given the scrutiny of the New Zealand deal that it should have had?
The Minister for Trade Policy answered a point of order detailing communications. The Secretary stated looking forward to discussing the Australian and New Zealand trade deals in detail with the International Trade Committee, acknowledging they will hold her accountable.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct answer regarding why the International Trade Committee was not given adequate time for scrutiny; instead committed to future discussions.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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The New Zealand trade deal's impact assessment acknowledged a £150 million hit to fishing, forestry, agriculture, and food manufacturing sectors as part of an economic adjustment process.
Can the Secretary of State tell us whether she is content for those sectors to just go down with the Brexit ship?
The New Zealand free trade agreement will see bilateral trade increase by almost 60%, boosting the UK economy by nearly £1 billion in the next few years. It will offer new opportunities for smaller businesses to discover and grow into the New Zealand market, with advantages over international rivals.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether sectors would suffer significant losses; instead focused on potential benefits of increased trade.
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP emphasized the importance of ensuring that the benefits of trade deals are accessible to smaller UK businesses.
What steps her Department is taking to increase trade with Australia and New Zealand, specifically noting the expected boost to smaller businesses.
The Government's deals will end tariffs for British exporters, slash red tape, and increase bilateral trade by 53% with Australia and 59% with New Zealand. These FTAs are expected to boost the UK economy by over £3 billion.
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