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Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill - Sitting 1

12 October 2022

Proposing MP
Derek Twigg Lab
Widnes and Halewood
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

Derek Twigg is chairing the Public Bill Committee meeting for the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill, setting out the agenda and scheduling for committee meetings and evidence sessions. Lucy Monks discusses the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing public procurement opportunities both domestically and internationally, particularly with regards to the new trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand. The statement discusses concerns about larger Australian and New Zealand businesses winning UK government contracts and explores potential amendments to support smaller UK businesses. The discussion revolves around the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill and its provisions for regulatory changes and consultations with industry stakeholders. Derek Twigg (Widnes and Halewood) reminds the Committee to ensure that questions are within the scope of the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill. Derek Twigg reminds participants to focus on the scope of the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill during the discussion. The statement discusses concerns about the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill, focusing on scrutiny procedures and the negative procedure for secondary legislation. Derek Twigg is chairing a Public Bill Committee meeting discussing the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill. Derek Twigg reminds the committee to stick to the Bill and not debate wider policy. MP Derek Twigg is concluding a Public Bill Committee session regarding the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill.

Action Requested

The statement provides information on the schedule and procedures for the upcoming committee meetings but does not propose any specific actions beyond facilitating the process. It outlines when witnesses will be heard and reminds members to adhere to the agreed-upon timings and scope of questioning.

Key Facts

  • The Committee is scheduled to meet at specified times from October 12 to October 20.
  • Witnesses include representatives from various organisations such as FSB, CBI, BCC, Trade Justice Movement, International Chambers of Commerce, TheCityUK, British Phonographic Industry, National Farmers Union, UK Trade Policy Observatory, and Trades Union Congress.
  • Written evidence will be made available in the Committee Room and circulated by email.
  • Small businesses face technical difficulties in accessing public procurement both domestically and internationally.
  • There are SME chapters in the trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand.
  • The Department for International Trade is engaging with organisations to encourage opportunities for British businesses.
  • Lucy Monks mentions that small businesses are not competing on an even ground currently.
  • William Bain suggests using the joint committee apparatus to examine issues affecting small businesses after the FTAs come into effect.
  • Andy Burwell states that companies from Australia and New Zealand will face competition similar to what UK companies face in their markets.
  • The Bill allows the Secretary of State to make regulations through the negative procedure without a vote.
  • There is concern about the adequacy of consultation processes before regulatory changes are made.
  • The Export Support Service has been criticized for merely directing businesses to Government websites rather than providing detailed, accessible information.
  • The statement is a reminder to keep questions aligned with the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill.
  • Derek Twigg is reminding participants about the scope of the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill.
  • The discussion involves questions and statements regarding parliamentary scrutiny processes for trade agreements.
  • The Bill will subject secondary legislation to negative procedure.
  • Concerns have been raised by the devolved Governments, particularly the Scottish Parliament.
  • The Procurement Bill currently in the Lords will eventually repeal provisions of this Bill.
  • Chris Southworth is the secretary general of the International Chamber of Commerce UK.
  • The discussion revolves around the minimal requirement nature of the Australia and New Zealand FTAs compared to the Singapore digital economy agreement.
  • There are concerns about the adequacy of support for SMEs in exporting.
  • Derek Twigg reminds the committee that questions and answers must stick to the Bill.
  • The session involves hearing oral evidence from John Cooke, chair of TheCityUK’s liberalisation of trade in services committee.
  • The session discusses Government procurement provisions and their importance for financial services providers.
  • John Cooke, a witness, mentions that bigger businesses receive door-opening help from missions abroad while smaller businesses may require more support from the Government.
  • There is concern about remedies available to businesses bidding for government contracts under the UK-Australia FTA.
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