Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Exports

Thursday 21 July 2022 · 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tourism to the UK is the third-largest service export, with the north-east being a key destination.
  • The Exports Minister agrees to explore tourism potential and establish freeports in the north-east.
  • The Minister is willing to meet with local farmers and explore opportunities in export markets.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Business & Trade
Context

The tourism sector is the third-largest service export for the UK. In September 2020, VAT retail export schemes were ended.

Question

Tourism to the UK is our third-largest service export. The north-east is a fantastic place to visit and wants visitors encouraged. With shopping as part of most visits including Newcastle Metrocentre and Berwick, what discussions are being had with the Treasury on ending VAT retail export scheme?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

The Exports Minister agrees about the potential of the tourism economy and will do everything possible to make the most of it. Freeports are also being established outside the EU, with one freeport located in the north-east.

Partly answered

Not addressed: VAT retail export scheme discussions

How: Freeports And Tourism Economy

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Q2 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Local farmer Billy Maughan discussed opportunities from deals such as the India deal with the Member at last week's Great Yorkshire show.

Question

I welcome the Exports Minister to his place. I hope he will join my Front-Bench colleagues and myself in visiting our outstanding export businesses in Sedgefield, including local farmer Billy Maughan who discussed opportunities such as the India deal with me at the Great Yorkshire show last week. Can the Minister meet them further?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

The Minister is happy to continue the tradition by arranging a meeting with Billy Maughan and other members of the National Farmers Union to explore further opportunities.

Answered
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Q3 Paul Howell
Business & Trade
Context

Businesses are concerned that the current trade show programme is less generous compared to its predecessor, leading to a decrease in UK exhibitors.

Question

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am asking this question on behalf of my hon. Friend the Member for Llanelli who is away on parliamentary business. Businesses fear the new trade show programme will only support first-time or market expansion exhibitors unlike its predecessor which supported repeated efforts. Evidence shows a drop in UK exhibitors just when economic growth needs stimulation. Will the Minister make the scheme more generous and widen access criteria to allow repeat participation?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

The first step of exporting is often hardest, so the highest support goes to new exporters. The trade show programme supports over 128 shows across 28 markets. The Minister will listen to concerns and ensure continued support for the programme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Repeat participation criteria

How: First Steps Are Hardest

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