Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Free Trade Agreements 2021-01-14 (2)

Thursday 14 January 2021 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Henry Smith inquired about steps taken to help businesses in the Coast to Capital local enterprise partnership area benefit from future free trade agreements.
  • Smith also asked for assurance that the government would liaise with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to support a freeport bid for the Manor Royal industrial area.
  • The response indicated that the selection process for freeports is ongoing and will be decided by the Treasury.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Henry Smith Con
Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from the need for local businesses within the Coast to Capital local enterprise partnership to benefit from future free trade agreements. The aim is to ensure regional economic growth and support.

Question

What steps has her Department taken to help ensure that businesses in the Coast to Capital local enterprise partnership area can benefit from future free trade agreements?

Answer from Graham Stuart

We are determined that all regions of the United Kingdom should benefit from free trade agreements. Our English network of international trade advisers includes 30 giving export support in the south-east of England, all of whom have been trained to help companies take advantage of FTAs. We have a range of online resources, including country-by-country guides and tools on great.gov.uk such as “Find an online marketplace” and “Find export opportunities”, in addition to the wide range of webinars that the Department provides.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify direct actions for businesses in Coast to Capital LEP area specifically, only general support measures.

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Q2 Henry Smith Con
Business & Trade
Context

The Manor Royal industrial area south of Gatwick airport is preparing a freeport bid through the Coast to Capital local enterprise partnership. The aim is to secure support and endorsement from government officials.

Question

The Coast to Capital local enterprise partnership is soon to submit a freeport bid for the Manor Royal industrial area south of Gatwick airport. May I have an assurance from my hon. Friend that he will liaise with our right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in support of this excellent initiative?

Answer from Graham Stuart

I would not want to tread on my hon. Friend's toes. As he understands, the selection process is ongoing and it will be decided by the Treasury, but obviously we are working very closely with the Chancellor and the Treasury team, precisely to ensure that the opportunities for freeports are assigned to the best possible places and that all the benefits that they can bring are realised, for the benefit of constituents such as my hon. Friend's.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a direct assurance but mentioned close work with Treasury without specifics on support for Manor Royal freeport bid.

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