Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19 Restrictions: Tourism and Hospitality

Wednesday 7 October 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Scottish Government is responsible for public health and tourism policies.
  • Discussions between the UK Government and the Scottish Government focus on identifying sectoral issues and coordinated support due to lockdown restrictions.
  • The Secretary of State for International Trade is committed to negotiating to remove tariffs on Scotch whisky.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The Scottish tourism and hospitality industries are struggling due to additional covid-19 lockdown measures and decreased international travel.

Question

What discussions have taken place with the Scottish Government and Cabinet colleagues regarding the effect of additional covid-19 lockdown restrictions on Scotland's tourism and hospitality sectors?

Answer from David Duguid

Both public health and tourism policies are devolved to the Scottish Government. However, I and my Office are in regular discussions with both the UK Government and the Scottish Government to identify sectoral issues due to lockdown restrictions and co-ordinated areas of UK-wide support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about discussions on providing additional sector-specific support were not provided.

How: Both Public Health And Tourism Policies Are Devolved To The Scottish Government

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Q2 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The Scottish tourism and hospitality sectors have been severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic and international travel restrictions.

Question

What specific discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Chancellor on providing additional sector-specific support to Scotland's tourism and hospitality industries?

Answer from David Duguid

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State described earlier the ongoing discussions not just between the Scotland Office and the Scottish Government, but between the Scotland Office and other UK Departments, including the Treasury, on a wide range of issues, including the impact on the tourism sector.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about additional support measures were not provided.

How: My Right Hon. Friend The Secretary Of State Described Earlier

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Q3 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Business & Trade
Context

The US has imposed tariffs on Scotch whisky due to the US-EU trade dispute, affecting Scotland's drinks industry.

Question

What discussions have taken place with the International Trade Secretary regarding the US tariff on Scotch whisky, and will the Secretary of State use his position on the Board of Trade to support Scottish industry?

Answer from David Duguid

The very short answer to that last question is: yes, of course. In response to the earlier part of the hon. Lady's question, I can say from personal experience that the Secretary of State for International Trade is fully committed to getting a deal and removing those tariffs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about ongoing discussions were not provided.

How: The Very Short Answer To That Last Question Is: Yes, Of Course

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