Context
The UK government is negotiating an SPS agreement with the EU which aims to reduce unnecessary border checks, cut costs for businesses by around £200 per shipment, and boost the economy by about £5 billion annually. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has invited the Paymaster General to attend a meeting but he declined.
Question
I am sure we all understand the reasons for the Paymaster General’s absence today, although I am less clear on his reasons for being absent from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee next Tuesday; he has declined our invitation to attend. A bold deal is indeed something to be wished for, but only if it does not bring with it lots of unintended consequences for the farmers, food producers, chemical companies and others whose work will be impacted by it. If Ministers will not engage with the Committee, will the Minister give me some assurance that there will at least be engagement with those vital industry interests?
Answer from Chris Ward (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
I understand that the Minister for the Cabinet Office has offered to meet directly with the right hon. Gentleman, the Chair of the Committee, on this—he will get back to the Committee. We will obviously be engaging on this matter and showing scrutiny across Parliament as much as possible. This is an incredibly important part of the deal; the benefits of the agreement are potentially very important; it will be of real benefit to farmers and other communities.
Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific assurances or commitments regarding engagement with industry interests beyond offering a meeting, which is not as concrete an answer as requested.
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