Food Imports and Exports 2021-01-21
2021-01-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP noted concerns about disruption to food trade post-Brexit transition period, citing specific businesses in her constituency facing issues.
What steps has the government taken to prevent disruption to food imports and exports since the end of the transition period?
We have engaged extensively with industry, established a phased approach to border controls, supported exporters familiarising themselves with new processes like export health certificates and customs declarations, liaised closely with EU states such as France, and worked with ministerial colleagues in the Department for Transport.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about measures to prevent more disruption and costly delays as trade volumes increase, concerned about job impacts.
What measures are being taken by the government to prevent border disruptions and delays for food exporters when trade volumes pick up? What assessment has been made of the impact on jobs?
The fishing sector faces difficulties due to time-critical nature; overall system is working well, issuing about 150 export health certificates per day. Volume of lorries through short straits back up to around 6,000-7,000 daily.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address potential job losses due to delays or specific measures for volume increase scenarios
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted a local business in Ealing experiencing delays due to new border rules and increased costs, questioning if the government can fix rules of origin.
Dina Foods faces significant paperwork and cost issues post-Brexit, leading to delays. Will Ministers address the problems with rules of origin?
HMRC is looking at issues related to rules of origin which affect some sectors. Border flow continues despite additional paperwork due to leaving customs union and single market.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions regarding rules of origin or commitment to fix them
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP praised the Secretary's work on Brexit deal but expressed concerns about current problems and delays reducing fish value, seeking compensation options.
What compensation can be given to people affected by border delays? What more can the government do to ease goods flow through borders?
One-to-one support is offered to fishing enterprises struggling with new paperwork from HMRC or APHA. A £23 million fund was announced to help affected fishing businesses.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP referenced headlines about rotting pig heads in Rotterdam due to Brexit delays, questioning if these are structural issues and seeking government action.
Does the Secretary agree that problems faced by the meat industry are not just teething issues? What will he do about it?
Goods such as lamb and dairy goods are flowing. Delays are due to border officials in France and the Netherlands adjusting to new processes; we intervene to help businesses concerned.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not acknowledge structural issues or provide specific actions beyond intervention for individual cases
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed frustration over the collapse of Peterhead's largest fish market, questioning if government will seek grace periods or new negotiations.
Will Ministers explain their plans to sort out collapsed fish markets? Will they go back to the EU for grace periods and new talks on market access?
No.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide any plan or explanation for addressing collapsed fish markets
Response accuracy