Support for Welsh Businesses 2021-02-03

2021-02-03

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about the economic well-being of Welsh businesses post-COVID-19 and during Brexit.
What steps his Department is taking to support Welsh businesses, noting wide-ranging financial support but asking for further details on building back better and leveraging trade agreements?
The Government have provided Welsh businesses with wide-ranging support, including £1.5 billion in bounce back loans and more than 60 trade deals secured by the Department for International Trade. A dedicated team is being put into Wales to deal with these matters.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about the financial viability of Welsh mountain sheep's wool, selling at 30p a kilo but costing 50p to bring to market. She wrote to the Prime Minister six months ago asking for support.
It costs British Wool 50p a kilo to bring Welsh mountain sheep's wool to market where it sells for only 30p a kilo. I wrote to the Prime Minister six months ago to ask what he was doing to boost this fantastic Welsh product now that his Government are responsible for procurement. Why is home procurement not woven into every relevant UK Government-funded public project contract by now?
The Secretary of State acknowledges the issue and confirms they are working closely with DEFRA on this matter, noting that home procurement is top of the Government's agenda.
Assessment & feedback
Specific implementation details
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Liz Saville-Roberts PC
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Context
The MP is concerned about the delay in receiving a final financial settlement from the UK Government, causing uncertainty over funding for Welsh businesses and public services.
Almost a month has gone by, Wales is still waiting for a reply on their final financial settlement. This has created unnecessary doubt over the date of the Welsh Budget and will handicap our response to the pandemic. What is the point of his office if he cannot even persuade his colleagues in the Treasury to speak to the Welsh Government?
The relationship between the Treasury and the Welsh Government has been conducted on a daily basis with vast sums of money being made available, but the Secretary of State defends his role against criticism.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions to address delays
Defends Role Against Criticism
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Liz Saville-Roberts PC
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of DEFRA advice and EU ban on shellfish exports from Wales, affecting a traditional industry.
Cockle-gathering in both north and south Wales is not just a job but a way of life. Gatherers are alarmed at DEFRA advice that they could not resume the export of shellfish until April and feel betrayed by UK Ministers knowing all along about the indefinite ban on importing non-decorated UK shellfish. What urgent actions will the Secretary of State and his Government take to facilitate the resumption of shellfish exports?
The Secretary of State is in close contact with DEFRA, Cabinet Office, and EU officials to distinguish between teething issues and structural matters, assuring the industry that challenges are being seized.
Assessment & feedback
Specific urgent actions
Response accuracy
Q5 Direct Answer
Nia Griffith Lab
Llanelli
Context
The MP is concerned about small businesses in Cardiff North struggling with Brexit-related red tape, leading to the destruction of thousands of pounds of stock for a local export meat business.
Small businesses in Cardiff North and across the country are struggling with impossible red tape due to this Government's eleventh-hour Brexit deal. A local family export meat business has had its produce turned away in Italy, leading to thousands of pounds of stock being destroyed. Can the Secretary of State clarify what urgent actions he and his colleagues are taking to resolve these issues?
The Secretary of State is willing to meet with the MP and her constituent to address their specific problems. He challenges the readiness point made more generally, noting stakeholder support for a positive relationship.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy