Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 20 January 2022 · 19 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 10 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions were held on 2022-01-20 focusing on various economic and trade issues.
  • The Prime Minister is negotiating with the US on steel tariffs to benefit UK businesses.
  • Measures to address supply chain issues and high shipping costs affecting UK businesses are under discussion.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mark Hendrick Labour (Co-op) Preston
Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

The Department's year has started with several initiatives, including trade agreements and discussions. The question arises from concerns about US steel tariffs affecting the UK steel industry.

Question

Given that the Prime Minister is handling security policy on Northern Ireland ambiguously, what are the chances of getting those tariffs lifted to ensure they work in favour of UK businesses?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

We will be pushing for a deal that is right for the UK steel industry. The long-standing alliance between the UK and the US ensures negotiating outcomes needed for UK industry, despite security issues in Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific chances of getting tariffs lifted not addressed

How: Acknowledged Complexity, Emphasised Alliance

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Q2 Mark Hendrick Labour (Co-op) Preston
Business & Trade
Context

The Black Country is a significant exporter with over £2.6 billion-worth of exports, facing challenges like high shipping container costs.

Question

As the Minister goes out to support businesses in the Black Country on the industrial stage, what measures are being taken to ensure that supply chain issues such as high shipping costs do not hinder trade negotiations and smooth import/export for companies?

Answer from Mike Freer

Engagement across Government departments, including the Competition and Markets Authority and Department for Transport, is ongoing to understand background causes of price rises and impacts on businesses such as KJV Furniture.

Answered
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Q3 Shaun Bailey
Brexit Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

The Government has not shown significant progress in trade performance to date, including joining the CPTPP. China's interest in joining could pose a challenge.

Question

Given President Xi's reaffirmation of China's desire to join the CPTPP, can the Minister clarify whether Britain would have the right to veto China's accession?

Answer from Mike Freer

Issues are very complex; first in queue for joining CPTPP, after which all things will be up for review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or rights not addressed

How: Acknowledged Complexity, Emphasised Process

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Q4 Gareth Thomas Labour (Co-op) Harrow West
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Shell fishermen in Cornwall face difficulties, with a £75 million boost to the fishing sector. The question is about ensuring capitalisation of this investment.

Question

Will the Department work closely with Cornish fishermen benefiting from this investment to help them further capitalise on it by encouraging new markets and driving awareness of UK seafood in international markets?

Answer from Mike Freer

The Government will continue to work closely with Seafish and the Shellfish Association of Great Britain, encouraging members to look at new markets. We have trade advisers in UK and overseas who can support the sector.

Answered
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Q5 Cherilyn Mackrory
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

Recent changes to UK arms export rules have raised concerns over transparency and misuse of exports, especially in conflict zones like Yemen.

Question

What steps are being taken to ensure that UK arms exports do not contribute to breaches of international humanitarian law?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

Government's arm export controls are open, transparent and scrutinised by this House. Meetings with stakeholders, including Oxfam, regularly occur. The regime is flexible to changing situations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps not detailed, emphasis on existing measures

How: Emphasised Transparency, Acknowledged Ongoing Dialogue

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Q6 Antony Higginbotham
Business & Trade
Context

SMEs are facing a greater impact of the global semiconductor chip shortage compared to larger companies that can secure supplies in advance.

Question

The Government will be aware of the global shortage of semiconductor chips. The impact of that is being felt far more by SMEs than the largest companies, which can make large purchases years in advance. What steps are the Government taking to support those SMEs to import semiconductors so that they can keep operating? If I write to the Department, will they look at a specific constituency case of mine?

Answer from Mike Freer

My hon. Friend raises what is a vital point in a global economy. The Government are carrying out a review of the UK's international and domestic approach to semiconductor supply chains. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is leading that review, supported by the Department for International Trade. We also support growth in the UK semiconductor sector by driving investment—for example, by promoting the world-leading compound semiconductor cluster in south Wales, as part of our high potential opportunities programme. If my hon. Friend would care to write to the Department, we will of course take up the constituency issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for SME support were not detailed beyond review and investment programmes

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Q7 Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberafan Maesteg
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The EU secured a comprehensive exemption from US section 232 steel tariffs on October 30, 2021. UK negotiations with the US are only now beginning.

Question

The European Union secured a comprehensive exemption from the section 232 steel tariffs way back on 30 October 2021. Here we are, almost three months later, and talks with the UK Government are only just starting. To ensure that the talks proceed smoothly and rapidly, we need to understand the cause of the delay. Does the Secretary of State agree that the probable cause is the Government's shambolic handling of the Northern Ireland protocol? If she does not think that is the cause, perhaps she will enlighten the House about what she thinks the cause of the delay has been.

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

As I have outlined today, I am pleased that yesterday we were able to formally launch our negotiations with the US to find a solution to the section 232 tariffs, which have been unreasonably imposed on the UK for a number of years. The EU quantum of steel was of importance to the US, which wanted to start those negotiations because the impacts on both sides were great. We are very pleased that the UK is now able to progress on what will be a very important impact, and release some of the pressures on our excellent steel industry.

Not addressed: Did not address whether the delay was due to poor handling of Northern Ireland Protocol

How: Changed Subject

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Q8 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

There is concern in rural Scotland about the potential impact of the proposed UK-Australia free trade agreement.

Question

As some of my colleagues have already pointed out, it would be wrong to say that there is not some nervousness in rural Scotland about what the deal with Australia will mean. Some of that is caused by the anti-trade scaremongering on the SNP Benches, but will the Minister expand on the opportunities for Scotland as a result of our deal with Australia?

Answer from Mike Freer

The UK-Australia free trade agreement could boost Scotland's economy by about £120 million. The deal will help boost Scottish exports by removing tariffs of up to 5% on Scotch whisky and through additional commitments to release goods from customs quickly. Scotland's services firms will also benefit from access to billions of pounds' worth of Australian Government contracts. Staff will be able to travel for work with easier access to temporary entry visas.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q9 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Business & Trade
Context

There is concern that investor-state dispute settlement systems could be opaque and open the UK to lawsuits from multinational corporations.

Question

Can the Secretary of State confirm whether she is still undertaking discussions with UK trade partners on inserting clauses on investor-state dispute settlement systems into future trade deals? There is evidence that they are opaque and could open the UK to law suits from multinational corporations. Will she confirm whether she is still pursuing them?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

Every free trade agreement is negotiated in relation to the other country and we will continue to work with those as we build these, to look at how we best bring together free trade agreements that will be beneficial to UK businesses and consumers.

Not addressed: Specific commitments on investor-state dispute settlement clauses not addressed

How: Discusses Process Without Substance

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Q10 Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
Business & Trade
Context

Local businesses attended a meeting of the parliamentary export programme.

Question

Last Friday, along with a number of local businesses, I took part in a meeting of the parliamentary export programme for my constituency businesses. What additional initiatives do Ministers have to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, to look at and engage in the export market?

Answer from Mike Freer

I am grateful for my hon. Friend's support of the parliamentary export scheme. It is about to be refreshed and relaunched so that we can provide additional support to any of our parliamentary colleagues who wish to engage with companies in their constituency about exports. I ask him to hold fire while we relaunch it, and he will be one of the first I contact.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No new initiatives provided beyond planned refresh of existing programme

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Q11 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Business & Trade
Context

Analysis by the Scotch Whisky Industry shows that reducing tariffs could bring back £1 billion in exports and 1,300 jobs.

Question

May I bring the Secretary of State's attention to the analysis published recently by the Scotch whisky industry, showing that even a phased reduction of the 150% tariffs on its products sold into industry could bring back a £1 billion increase in exports and something in the region of 1,300 UK jobs? As she continues with the dialogue with India about a trade deal, will she give us some commitment that the reduction and elimination of that tariff would be one of her biggest priorities in an early harvest agreement?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

As I said, the negotiations with our Indian counterparts have just begun. We will not discuss the details of the negotiations while they are going on, but I have been very clear with the Indians and through our consultation process that we will want to see movement on issues such as high tariffs on some of our iconic UK products.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to prioritising reduction of whisky export tariffs in early stages of negotiations

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Q12 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Business & Trade
Context

Discussions with India have just begun, and there is interest in the progress of these negotiations.

Question

My apologies for not being here earlier, Mr Speaker. Clearly, the start of the talks with our friends in India is extremely welcome news, particularly for Scotch whisky exporters, who could gain tremendously. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on the projected timetable, and will she publish some objectives in relation to what we are attempting to achieve with our friends in India?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

Following our discussions last week, Minister Goyal and I were very clear that we want our negotiating teams to crack on and get a clear picture of the areas that we want to bring together in our free trade agreement with India. We have set our negotiators an initial target to see whether we can bring this to a conclusion at the end of this year or in early 2023.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q13 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Economy Business & Trade
Context

British wine traders have concerns about the Chancellor's alcohol duty reforms, which they believe might result in higher prices and less choice for consumers.

Question

British wine traders are concerned that the Chancellor's reforms to alcohol duty could lead to higher prices and reduced product variety. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with her Cabinet colleagues regarding these reform impacts on industry trade capabilities?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

The Chancellor implemented reforms focused on health, increasing duties for higher-alcohol content products. The Secretary of State has mentioned these policies to other countries during her travels and they view it positively as a balanced approach between health management and trade opportunities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions about the impact on wine trading industry were not detailed.

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Q14 Scott Benton
Defence Business & Trade
Context

Cooperation with Saudi Arabia is crucial for defence and security, maintaining hundreds of jobs at BAE Warton.

Question

Our collaboration on defence and security with Saudi Arabia supports numerous jobs in Blackpool. What steps are the Government taking to further develop this relationship and foster more trade opportunities?

Answer from Ranil Jayawardena

The Government has completed a consultation with British businesses, citizens, and civil society on aspirations for a free trade agreement with the Gulf Co-operation Council. The report by BAE Systems highlights over 500 jobs in Blackpool due to their presence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions for enhancing UK-Saudi cooperation were not detailed.

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Q15 Angus MacNeil SNP
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys has expressed concerns about the UK joining CPTPP without specific carve-outs for intellectual property.

Question

The Government's decision to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is under scrutiny due to potential negative impacts on patents, SMEs, GDP, and the reputation of the UK patent profession. Will the Department insist on carve-outs to mitigate these concerns?

Answer from Mike Freer

The hon. Gentleman has raised a pertinent point and it is on my agenda to discuss with him in an upcoming meeting.

Not addressed: No commitment to carve-outs or specific actions taken.

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Q16 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Business & Trade
Context

Concerns have been raised about the importation of cotton and materials to construct solar panels from Xinjiang.

Question

How much cotton and how many products used in constructing solar panels have been imported into the UK from Xinjiang over the past year?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

I can provide the hon. Gentleman with information that our Department and others may hold, and I reassure him of the seriousness in which his concerns are being taken.

Not addressed: No statistical data on imports provided.

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Q17 Paul Howell
Business & Trade
Context

Gestamp, a company in the MP's constituency, supplies to multiple global car manufacturers and is involved in research and development.

Question

What actions are being taken to support Gestamp's research and development efforts to ensure they remain competitive globally?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

My hon. Friend has raised valid points which my Department is listening to, and a letter will be sent outlining the actions taken to ensure competitiveness and attract inward investment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific measures or details on R&D support provided.

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Q18 Peter Grant SNP
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Concerns have been raised that post-Brexit trade deals are replicating existing agreements with the European Union.

Question

85% of post-Brexit trade deals merely replicate agreements previously held with the EU. Does this represent a significant success in reducing barriers to trade?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

Work was needed across Government to roll over legislation and move trade agreements onto a new statutory footing. The opportunity now exists for further action, including supporting developing nations through economic partnerships.

Not addressed: No direct assessment of replication success provided.

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Q19 Marion Fellows SNP
Business & Trade
Context

Negotiations on steel and aluminium tariffs have started, but confirmation from Washington is pending. Constituents are concerned about selling to the Americans.

Question

The Secretary of State will confirm that whoever becomes Prime Minister in future times, she will ask them to intervene and address the issues with US tariffs?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

The Secretary is thrilled about formally launching negotiations yesterday. She will keep in touch with the UK steel industry as they move forward, ensuring resolution at pace through her team's engagement with US counterparts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No firm commitment provided regarding future Prime Ministers' involvement.

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