Topical Questions

Question

If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The questioner asks for an update on the priorities and initiatives under the Department for Business and Trade.

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Fish and chip shops have been part of British life for generations. However, they are now facing a triple whammy of high energy costs, high fish prices, and high cooking oil costs. The MP asks the Secretary to work proactively with the sector to ensure their survival and future flourishing.

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In 100 days since the new Secretary took office, there has been a significant fall in steel production, warnings from automotive firms over job losses due to Government policy, and major investments by other nations. The MP asks if the current Business Secretary agrees with their predecessors that an explicit industrial strategy is needed.

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What was the answer to Question 19? How many businesses were supported by grant funding in North Northamptonshire during the pandemic?

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Dr Nikhil Datta from Warwick Economics noted that £5.84 billion in increased food prices since 2016 hit low-income households hardest, as they spend more of their income on food. Does the Secretary of State or UK Government accept this?

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With 70% of our economy being services, what are you doing to reduce barriers in this area and supercharge global trade in services?

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May I draw the Minister's attention to a Which? investigation into the lack of consistency in unit pricing by supermarkets? That makes it difficult for consumers to work out the real price of goods and, crucially, to choose between them. The Competition and Markets Authority is looking at this issue, but will the Government talk to the supermarkets too?

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UK Export Finance plays a vital role in supporting export opportunities, but a company in my constituency is having difficulties landing support to secure a contract based in one of our Trans-Pacific Partnership area countries. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss this and how we can support that business?

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I am sure that you, Mr Speaker, and everyone here will wish the Red Lion in Ealing well under its new management. It even does food for non-drinkers such as me. Can Ministers work with Ofgem to find a sustainable solution to energy bills, and with the Home Office to redefine chefs as a shortage occupation, to stop the Red Lion being one of the record number of pubs going to the wall?

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According to the website for the Department for Business and Trade, the Department is supposed to shape our rules to ensure businesses thrive. Edenvale Turf is a successful small and medium-sized enterprise in my part of Devon and it employs more than 20 people. Older Edenvale workers have grandfather rights as supervisors, but they have been told that they will no longer be eligible to act as turf-cutting supervisors without taking a National Vocational Qualification. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how the Government might prevent scores of older, experienced people from leaving the workforce by getting out of the way and ensuring that businesses thrive?

Question

I am honoured to chair the all-party group on steel, and, as such, I have invited the Secretary of State to meet us, as all four of her predecessors have agreed to do. I am very disappointed that she has declined to do so. I urge her to reconsider that position. The US is investing $282 billion in green manufacturing. The Spanish and German Governments are each investing £1 billion in the decarbonisation of their steel industries. Labour would match that opportunity with a £3 billion clean steel fund, but the Government's response to date has been woefully inadequate. When will the Secretary of State bring forward a steel transition strategy that matches up with what our competitors are doing and that matches the ambition of our professional and dedicated steelworkers?

Question

Marshalls Bakery, a small business in my constituency, has just closed its doors after 43 years of trading. The owners told me that they were unable to withstand the combined pressures of covid, rising wheat and container charges and high energy costs. They feel let down and are angry at the lack of Government support for businesses such as theirs. Can the Minister tell me what further steps he is taking to ensure that other small businesses can survive in this challenging climate to provide the certainty from Government that they so desperately need?

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UK semiconductor businesses are waiting for the semiconductor strategy. I have asked several times about this. The Minister for Science, Research and Innovation told me it would be published shortly. Can she champion the semiconductor industry by speaking to her colleagues in DSIT to expedite its publication?

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Will Ministers negotiate to delay stricter rules of origin affecting the UK's transition to electric vehicles to protect our automotive sector from potential tariffs on car exports?

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What conversations have Ministers had with Ofgem and energy companies regarding businesses marooned on high energy tariffs from past contracts, which threaten their survival?