Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Australia Trade Agreement Bishop Auckland 2021-06-10

2021-06-10

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Dehenna Davison
▸ Context
The MP is concerned about the benefits of a free trade agreement between the UK and Australia for local farmers and food producers in Bishop Auckland.
What steps has her Department taken to ensure that (a) farmers and (b) food producers in Bishop Auckland can benefit from an FTA with Australia?
Greg Hands
The Government are clear that any deal with Australia must work for UK farmers and producers. We will use a range of tools to defend British farming. As well as improving access to the Australian market, an FTA will act as a gateway to CPTPP, creating unprecedented new export opportunities for British farmers and producers.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific steps taken to ensure benefits for Bishop Auckland's farmers and food producers were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Dehenna Davison
▸ Context
The MP highlights a visit to Grange Hill farm in Bishop Auckland where farmers produce high-quality beef, seeking information on how an FTA with Australia will benefit local beef farmers.
Last summer, the Secretary of State visited Grange Hill farm in Bishop Auckland, where leading farmers John and Jane are rightly proud of the fabulous beef that they produce. Will my right hon. Friend please tell the House how the gateway to the CPTPP—a deal with Australia—will open up new markets for British beef farmers?
Greg Hands
I know that the Secretary of State greatly enjoyed her visit last year to the farms in my hon. Friend's constituency. CPTPP is a great opportunity. I referenced in an earlier question growing Asian demand for products such as meat and other British agrifood products. We see there being tremendous opportunities in that fast-growing market—13% of global GDP across four continents. This is a real opportunity to be able to sell British farming produce to those fast-growing Asian and American markets.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific benefits for local beef farmers were not detailed, focusing instead on broader opportunities.
Response accuracy