Context
The MP noted the potential of rural economies and concerns about specific industries like vineyards in Mid Sussex.
Question
What steps his Department is taking to support businesses in rural areas. I thank the Minister for his answer. I am encouraged that his Department is working with other Departments. There are brilliant vineyards in Mid Sussex, such as Bolney wine estate, which produce high-quality English wine. They form a vital part of the rural economy and they also entice domestic and international tourism. With the end of the wine duty easement on 1 February causing significant concerns across the sector, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure that the English wine industry is not damaged by that and instead can continue to grow and go from strength to strength?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
We recognise that the English wine industry, which has gone from strength to strength in recent years, is a crucial part of the rural economy and of the food and drink offer that the UK can rightly be proud of. It is one reason that we are seeking to increase exports of food and drink, including helping English vineyards to export English wine to a range of markets overseas, and we will certainly continue to do that.
Not addressed: Specific steps to protect the industry from the end of the wine duty easement were not mentioned.
Was this summary accurate? Tell us
How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)