UK-Australia Trade Deal 2021-06-17
2021-06-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the potential negative effects of the proposed UK-Australia trade agreement on both UK and Scottish agricultural producers.
What assessment has his Department made of the potential effect of the proposed UK-Australia trade deal on (a) UK and (b) Scottish agricultural producers?
As part of the agreement with Australia, we secured a special agricultural safeguard which has a strict automatic volume trigger. For the first 10 years, Australian beef and lamb will be subject to a tariff rate quota, followed by a special agricultural safeguard for the next five years.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide an assessment of the potential effect on UK and Scottish agricultural producers as requested. It focuses instead on safeguards put in place.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns that the proposed UK-Australia trade agreement was announced without adequate consultation with relevant trade bodies and the Parliament.
This Opposition Member acknowledges the world-class nature of the crofting, farming sector, and food production in the UK but raises concern over a lack of consultation with trade bodies and Parliament before announcing the deal. What can be done to reassure these industries that future deals will see more consultation?
The Department for International Trade has groups including one covering agri-food that discuss approaches to trade deals and help identify priorities. While confidential mandates are kept secret during final stages of negotiation, as much information is shared with stakeholders, including the National Farmers Union.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledges existing mechanisms but does not directly address concerns about past lack of consultation or provide specific commitments for future dealings.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of safeguards and tariffs in the proposed UK-Australia trade agreement, particularly regarding beef and lamb imports.
Will the Secretary confirm that Australian farmers have tariff-free access from day one up to a cap 60 times current levels for beef, and three times for lamb? Does this render promises of a 15-year protection period redundant?
We have to look at this in context: Australia does not currently sell us these goods due to a minuscule tariff rate quota for beef. Additionally, we already have a TRQ with New Zealand that is over 100,000 tonnes and New Zealand does not fill it.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids confirming the specifics of tariff-free access or addressing whether promises of protection are redundant. Instead, it discusses current import levels and existing agreements with New Zealand.
Response accuracy