Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cornish Businesses

Thursday 29 June 2023 · 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

  • The Department is targeting a global list of trade barriers to deliver new opportunities for UK businesses, including those in Cornwall, estimated to be worth more than 20 billion over five years.
  • The Department acknowledges the additional toll tax faced by businesses in Cornwall when crossing the Tamar, which can amount to thousands of pounds.
  • The Department commits to engaging with the Department for Transport on the issue of toll taxes affecting competitiveness of Cornish businesses.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sheryll Murray Con
Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from potential trade barriers that hinder the growth of Cornish businesses. The MP seeks to understand specific actions taken by her Department.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to help reduce potential barriers to trade for Cornish businesses?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

We are targeting a global hit list of barriers whose removal will deliver massive new opportunities for UK businesses throughout the country, including in Cornwall. It is estimated that that will be worth more than £20 billion over five years. The Government are working to open up new markets, including for Cornish farmers. British lamb is now being exported to America for the first time in over 20 years, and British beef is being sent to the Philippines.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specifically address steps taken for Cornish businesses or provide concrete actions.

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Q2 Sheryll Murray Con
Taxation Business & Trade
Context

The question stems from a toll tax paid by businesses in the MP's constituency to cross the Tamar, which can amount to thousands of pounds, potentially impacting their competitiveness with UK firms.

Question

Many of the businesses in my constituency pay an additional tax by way of a toll to cross the Tamar, which can run into many thousands of pounds for them. What representations has the Department made to the Department for Transport to have that additional tax, which can make it harder to compete with firms in the rest of the UK, removed?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

I thank my hon. Friend for bringing that to my attention. She is such a powerful voice for Cornwall. I am surprised that the Department for Transport has not yet buckled, because I know what a champion she is for her constituency and the region. I will ask my team to engage on this matter with their counterparts at the DFT and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. I know that she will not stop until she gets what she deserves for her constituents, so I am more than happy to give the strength to her elbow.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer lacks specific actions or commitments regarding removing the toll tax or addressing competitiveness issues.

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