Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Scottish Fishing Businesses

Thursday 4 March 2021 · 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 UK has secured tariff-free access and a 25 percent quota uplift under the UK-EU trade agreement for the fishing industry.
  • Some Scottish fishing businesses continue to experience difficulties, including delays at border control posts in France.
  • The Government does not acknowledge the figure for export delays given by the hon. Member, stating that most lorry loads of fish clear border control posts within an hour.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question arises from ongoing difficulties faced by UK fisheries post-Brexit, particularly in securing tariff-free access and dealing with compensation funds. There are concerns about the sustainability of smaller companies trading with Europe.

Question

What assessment has been made of the effect of the UK-EU trade and co-operation agreement on Scottish fishing businesses? Difficulties with the UK-EU fishing trade were described as 'teething problems' but these issues persist, affecting the East Neuk in North East Fife. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee reported potential demise for smaller companies trading in Europe.

Answer from George Eustice

Yes, I believe so. The UK has secured tariff-free access and a 25% quota uplift under the trade agreement, providing regulatory freedom. Lorry loads of fish typically clear border control posts in France within an hour, with volumes back up to around 85% of normal levels.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about agreeing that leaving EU was overwhelming for fishing industry was not directly addressed; the answer focused on current improvements and statistics without reiterating original stance.

How: Under Review

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Q2 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

There are persistent difficulties with UK-EU fishing trade despite initial assurances. Compensation funds for affected businesses have been deemed insufficient, leading to concerns over the future of smaller companies trading in Europe.

Question

Does the Secretary of State still agree with his 2016 statement that leaving EU is overwhelming positive for fishing industry? Two months after calling issues 'teething problems', these are ongoing. Environment Committee was told medium-term sees more small firms ceasing trade in Europe, potentially leading to their demise.

Answer from George Eustice

Yes, I believe so. The UK has secured tariff-free access and a substantial quota transfer under the trade agreement, giving regulatory freedom previously not available.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about agreeing with 2016 statement was partially addressed but did not fully acknowledge or defend past stance. Emphasis on current improvements without addressing historical claims directly.

How: Under Review

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Q3 Deidre Brock SNP
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The Prime Minister suggested eating more British fish could save the industry, while other officials described difficulties as 'teething problems' or said fish are 'happier'. However, Scottish businesses face long delays at EU borders. Taskforces and regulatory measures are seen as insufficient.

Question

Can flippancy end now? Get serious answers for fishing industry. Some firms still face three-day waits to export fresh fish. Does the Government accept mistakes were made? Will they negotiate with EU to align regulations necessary to save the industry?

Answer from George Eustice

Volumes of fish exports are at about 85% of normal levels, considering market stress due to coronavirus. About half clear border posts within an hour; over 90% clear in three hours. Government does not recognize the figure given by the hon. Lady.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about admitting mistakes and returning to negotiations was not addressed, focusing instead on current export volumes and border clearance times.

How: Under Review

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