0:00:06 > 0:00:11Good morning and welcome to live coverage of the House of Commons. In
0:00:11 > 0:00:14around 40 minutes the Home Secretary Amber Rudd will take questions in
0:00:14 > 0:00:20her new additional role as the Mr for women and equality is. The
0:00:20 > 0:00:24Conservative MP Bob Blackman will ask an urgent question about the
0:00:24 > 0:00:29death sentence passed on a 52-year-old man in Yemen described
0:00:29 > 0:00:35by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience. There will
0:00:35 > 0:00:41be a select committee statement made by the chair of the education
0:00:41 > 0:00:44committee on its report on fostering. The main business in the
0:00:44 > 0:00:48chamber will be a motion tabled by Vernon Coaker calling for the
0:00:48 > 0:00:50current levels of serving personnel in the Armed Forces to be
0:00:50 > 0:00:57maintained. Please join me for a round-up of all of that at 11pm but
0:00:57 > 0:00:59first we have questions to the International Trade Secretary Liam
0:00:59 > 0:01:00Fox.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11Order. Order. Questions to the Secretary of State for International
0:01:11 > 0:01:20Development. Martin day.Number one. Secretary doctor Liam Fox.Before I
0:01:20 > 0:01:23begin I would like to take the opportunity to warmly welcome my
0:01:23 > 0:01:27honourable friend the member for Beverley and wholeness to my team
0:01:27 > 0:01:31were he will serve as the Minister for investment and can I pay tribute
0:01:31 > 0:01:38to the fantastic job his predecessor did over the course of his time in
0:01:38 > 0:01:41the department. Mr Speaker it is right the government prepares for
0:01:41 > 0:01:44all possible outcomes from leaving the EU including preparing for no
0:01:44 > 0:01:51deal. We will consider the range of options as we stab at our
0:01:51 > 0:01:54independent policy only bilateral and multilateral basis. Asia-Pacific
0:01:54 > 0:01:58is an important market and an engine for future global growth. We are
0:01:58 > 0:02:02closely following progress of the comprehensive and progressive
0:02:02 > 0:02:08transpacific partnership.Thank you, the UK trade with the transpacific
0:02:08 > 0:02:14partnership countries amounts to 7.2% of total trade with EU is
0:02:14 > 0:02:1948.6%, will he confirm his departments priorities to form close
0:02:19 > 0:02:24ties with the world's largest trading market before embarking on
0:02:24 > 0:02:27negotiations with other trading blocs.These are not mutually
0:02:27 > 0:02:36exclusive. We want an open trading agreement with the EU but if one
0:02:36 > 0:02:41looks at TPP it's already 14% of GDP, it would be 40% where the
0:02:41 > 0:02:49Americans to rejoin. There will be important markets for United Kingdom
0:02:49 > 0:02:56outwith Europe.Two of the countries in the TPP are Australia and New
0:02:56 > 0:03:00Zealand, will he look closely at their closer economic relationship
0:03:00 > 0:03:05agreement which allows free trade of goods and services between those two
0:03:05 > 0:03:09countries and will he prioritise and agreement between the United Kingdom
0:03:09 > 0:03:14and those two countries?I have made clear on a number of occasions
0:03:14 > 0:03:19including in this house that when it comes to future free-trade
0:03:19 > 0:03:21agreements Australia and New Zealand would be two of our top three
0:03:21 > 0:03:25priorities. If we are able by another means to achieve these
0:03:25 > 0:03:30liberalisation is in trade we would like to see then that would be fine.
0:03:30 > 0:03:36Surely the Secretary of State would agree that no TPP deal would make up
0:03:36 > 0:03:39for the loss of market in the European Union and has he seen this
0:03:39 > 0:03:44morning 's report, the independent report conditions by the Mayor of
0:03:44 > 0:03:48London which shows what a clatter cosmic effect it will have leaving
0:03:48 > 0:03:56the EU on our business and so many jobs?As usual I do not accept the
0:03:56 > 0:04:01premise of any part of the honourable gentleman's questions. I
0:04:01 > 0:04:06don't believe we will necessarily lose a share of market, we want to
0:04:06 > 0:04:08maintain an open agreement with the European Union and they will want to
0:04:08 > 0:04:11maintain an open agreement with us because we are the fifth biggest
0:04:11 > 0:04:17economy in the world. The report this morning was anything other than
0:04:17 > 0:04:20cataclysmic, in fact it's worse assessment was less than half the
0:04:20 > 0:04:25assessment given to us before the European referendum on what our loss
0:04:25 > 0:04:32of market might be if there was no deal whatsoever.First if I may,
0:04:32 > 0:04:36welcome also the new arrival to the front bench opposite and also
0:04:36 > 0:04:40actually yesterday's trade statistics, the Secretary of State
0:04:40 > 0:04:44and I may disagree over how much it owes to the depreciation of sterling
0:04:44 > 0:04:47but we are both agreed that narrowing of the trade deficit is a
0:04:47 > 0:04:55very good thing. With regard to TPP the Secretary of State says these
0:04:55 > 0:04:57are not mutually exclusive but of course he must account for regular
0:04:57 > 0:05:02to the alignment which is part of TPP and the impact that would have.
0:05:02 > 0:05:08Indeed the former secretary at the Department of business said it
0:05:08 > 0:05:15joining TPP would-be cloud cuckoo land. Or does the Secretary of State
0:05:15 > 0:05:20consider that regularly arraignment negotiated in secret to suit the
0:05:20 > 0:05:26economies of the Pacific rim is a viable proposition for our country?
0:05:26 > 0:05:29I am in favour of trade liberalisation or whether it is
0:05:29 > 0:05:34bilateral, plural lateral or multilateral, if we can get global
0:05:34 > 0:05:39trading volumes up it is of benefit not just to the United Kingdom but
0:05:39 > 0:05:42developing countries in the world who should be able to trade their
0:05:42 > 0:05:52way out of poverty.Minister Graeme Stewart.Thank you Mr Speaker, it's
0:05:52 > 0:05:56a pleasure to join a government front bench full of fresh young
0:05:56 > 0:06:04talent.LAUGHTER Even if I am not one myself. Can I
0:06:04 > 0:06:11pay tribute to my predecessor who showed tremendous commitment and
0:06:11 > 0:06:14investment promotion to the benefit both of his constituents and the
0:06:14 > 0:06:19nation as a whole. Baroness fair-haired the Minister of trade
0:06:19 > 0:06:23and promotion is engaging closely with businesses to inform the
0:06:23 > 0:06:27creation of the new export strategy reporting in spring of this year the
0:06:27 > 0:06:30strategy will ensure the government has the right financial practical
0:06:30 > 0:06:35and promotional support in place to allow businesses to benefit from
0:06:35 > 0:06:37growth opportunities generating wealth and well-being for the whole
0:06:37 > 0:06:46of the UK.Can I thank the Minister for his answer and congratulate him
0:06:46 > 0:06:50on his promotion. I am sure he will do well and I invite him to miss
0:06:50 > 0:06:55Derbyshire at some point on his way back to his constituency. How will
0:06:55 > 0:06:59the Minister ensure the United Kingdom export finance is an
0:06:59 > 0:07:07integral part of the new export strategy?I page a view to all her
0:07:07 > 0:07:11work promoting businesses in Derbyshire and beyond, UK Export
0:07:11 > 0:07:16Finance's mission is to ensure no viable UK exports fails to lack of
0:07:16 > 0:07:20finance and insurance and it is at the heart of our export strategy.
0:07:20 > 0:07:26Today I am pleased to announce an even more flexible local currency
0:07:26 > 0:07:31offering to help exporters compete for a major overseas contracts.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35Finance is now available in 62 currencies for purchases from the UK
0:07:35 > 0:07:39in addition to pounds Sterling, an increase of 19 currencies following
0:07:39 > 0:07:46on from the 30 added in the 2016 Autumn Statement.The Secretary of
0:07:46 > 0:07:50State and his Department has made great play of promoting great
0:07:50 > 0:07:54British brands so does he agree that Coleman is of Norwich is best served
0:07:54 > 0:08:01by keeping production and brands in Norwich and will he join me in
0:08:01 > 0:08:07urging Unilever to do just that?I thank the honourable gentleman for
0:08:07 > 0:08:12that question, I do not want to get involved in internal battles within
0:08:12 > 0:08:17UK companies are between sites with a base operations. What I can tell
0:08:17 > 0:08:22him, what I can tell and is that the growth in manufacturing exports is
0:08:22 > 0:08:27at the 10-year high and we need to continue to build on that and that
0:08:27 > 0:08:32would be threatened if the party opposite were to come into this.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36Exports are rising but still only from a small proportion of British
0:08:36 > 0:08:39businesses we need more exporters and a changing business culture so
0:08:39 > 0:08:44can I urge the new minister with his colleagues to challenge business
0:08:44 > 0:08:47representative bodies so we ensure a exporting in Britain is the norm and
0:08:47 > 0:08:53not the exception.I am grateful to my honourable friend, few people in
0:08:53 > 0:08:57this house have done so much to promote exports and he is one of 28
0:08:57 > 0:09:02trade envoys doing a fantastic job for the country. Alongside the
0:09:02 > 0:09:05envoys my department works with 43 business ambassadors at the
0:09:05 > 0:09:09forefront of the change he describes. On business
0:09:09 > 0:09:13representative bodies the department will engage in the export strategy
0:09:13 > 0:09:17review to ensure the government and private sector work to provide
0:09:17 > 0:09:24businesses with vivid practical, and financial...Membership of the
0:09:24 > 0:09:29European single market is vital for the Scottish economy, and from
0:09:29 > 0:09:3334,000 jobs in Scotland are supported by trade with the EU and
0:09:33 > 0:09:42Brexit threatens to cost £11 billion by 2020, year by 2030. Can the
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Secretary of State ensure British is in Scotland they can export tariff
0:09:45 > 0:09:50free to the world's biggest single market after Brexit?I thank the
0:09:50 > 0:09:53honourable lady for her question, she is right to highlight and
0:09:53 > 0:09:57champion export from Scotland and the greatest export market for
0:09:57 > 0:10:01Scottish businesses is the rest of the United Kingdom. What I can tell
0:10:01 > 0:10:05her is this government will stay committed to promoting trade within
0:10:05 > 0:10:07the United Kingdom with our neighbours in Europe and with the
0:10:07 > 0:10:15rest of the world.Mr Speaker can I welcome the Minister to his place, I
0:10:15 > 0:10:19enjoyed serving with him on the education select committee and I
0:10:19 > 0:10:22look forward to debating these important matters with him. Evidence
0:10:22 > 0:10:29to the former committee showed a budget of £23.6 million for the
0:10:29 > 0:10:37trade access partnership in 2013-14. This fell to 11.05 million in the
0:10:37 > 0:10:4014-15 and just 8 million the following year. We are in the final
0:10:40 > 0:10:43quarter for this financial year and just last year the government still
0:10:43 > 0:10:47hasn't said what the current budget is. When are they going to end the
0:10:47 > 0:10:51uncertainty of business and tell us how much money they are giving to
0:10:51 > 0:10:54support exporters who want to go to trade shows and help exports for
0:10:54 > 0:11:01business and the economy?I am grateful for the question from the
0:11:01 > 0:11:06opposition front bench. As usual they confuse inputs with outputs and
0:11:06 > 0:11:09outcomes. We are focused on promoting export which is what we
0:11:09 > 0:11:14are successfully doing which is why we have built on the position in
0:11:14 > 0:11:182010 and why we are seeing record level in manufacturing exports and
0:11:18 > 0:11:23other exports on which his constituents depend.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28Mr Speaker as the Prime Minister set out in her Florence speech the UK
0:11:28 > 0:11:32will seek a time limited implementation period, we will
0:11:32 > 0:11:35prepare for our future independent trade policy by negotiating trade
0:11:35 > 0:11:39deals with countries which could come into force after the conclusion
0:11:39 > 0:11:44of the fermentation period. To that end we have established a series of
0:11:44 > 0:11:4914 working groups and high-level dialogues with key trade partners.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Cammie Secretary of State confirm that he as he said he would is still
0:11:52 > 0:12:00on track to deliver 40 trade deals with non-EU countries after we leave
0:12:00 > 0:12:04the European Union? And can he explain to the house what the man's
0:12:04 > 0:12:09there have been from those countries for additional visas for their
0:12:09 > 0:12:11citizens to come to the United Kingdom and how does that impact on
0:12:11 > 0:12:17the tens of thousands of figures?Mr Speaker at the government is indeed
0:12:17 > 0:12:22committed to ensuring we get continuity of the 40 or so EU trade
0:12:22 > 0:12:25agreements after we leave the European Union, that is why we
0:12:25 > 0:12:29brought in the legislation this week. I am disappointed that the
0:12:29 > 0:12:32honourable gentleman and his party decided to vote against it and deny
0:12:32 > 0:12:40British business that confidence. Where are we to seek any level of
0:12:40 > 0:12:46protection the agreement will take longer and yield less. Won't they?
0:12:46 > 0:12:52Mr Speaker at the very clear aim we have had is to achieve a continuity
0:12:52 > 0:12:57and stability. We want to see those agreements we already have, that we
0:12:57 > 0:13:02are already members of delivered safely and securely into UK law that
0:13:02 > 0:13:08is the point of the trade bill. Concerns have been raised in
0:13:08 > 0:13:13relation to these transitional arrangements.There might be changes
0:13:13 > 0:13:18to the detriment of the United Kingdom. Can the secretary of state
0:13:18 > 0:13:21confirm he's not intending to make any significant or substantial
0:13:21 > 0:13:23changes to those agreements?
0:13:30 > 0:13:34We aim to keep as close as possible to the condition they are and to
0:13:34 > 0:13:42date. Given we have some minor changes to make.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47From the preliminary dialogue my right honourable friend has had with
0:13:47 > 0:13:50the USA, what assessment has he made with the prospect of doing a trade
0:13:50 > 0:13:57deal with that country? Can I add my congratulations to my
0:13:57 > 0:14:01honourable friend for is very well-deserved recognition of the
0:14:01 > 0:14:09service he has given to this House and his constituency. We have four
0:14:09 > 0:14:13groups working on outcomes and potential scoping of a free-trade
0:14:13 > 0:14:17agreement in future and with the WTO, and we are content we are
0:14:17 > 0:14:23making progress on all fronts.I welcome that and he is a wonderful
0:14:23 > 0:14:27man but I would recommend the Secretary of State not send him
0:14:27 > 0:14:31anywhere of very high altitude because he is not good at high
0:14:31 > 0:14:34altitude. The Secretary of State is good to try to pursue lots of trade
0:14:34 > 0:14:38deals with countries outside the EU, but isn't one of the major problems
0:14:38 > 0:14:41the corruption in some of the biggest countries? If you look at
0:14:41 > 0:14:46Brazil, Russia, China, all of these for very low down on the
0:14:46 > 0:14:49transparency index, and particularly relating to Russia it is very
0:14:49 > 0:14:51difficult for British businesses to do big business is there, because
0:14:51 > 0:14:57they have to pay bribes all the time?The honourable gentleman is
0:14:57 > 0:15:02quite right and I often described the issue of corruption in economic
0:15:02 > 0:15:07terms as supply constraint. Many of these economies, when I am having
0:15:07 > 0:15:10those discussions, but I think if we are able to get trade agreements,
0:15:10 > 0:15:14good legal agreements, and as part of that we make transparency the key
0:15:14 > 0:15:20element, we are contributing to success on both sides.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24Mr Speaker, with your permission I would like to answer questions four
0:15:24 > 0:15:29and eight together. We have three main ways to support exporting,
0:15:29 > 0:15:36firstly through the website offering digital tools, the site had over 2.7
0:15:36 > 0:15:39million visitors. Secondly, international trade advisers based
0:15:39 > 0:15:43across the country are supporting businesses and thirdly the UK
0:15:43 > 0:15:48finance providing £3 billion in support, helping 221 UK companies
0:15:48 > 0:15:57last year, 79% of which were SNEs. I am gratefulfor that answer. An
0:15:57 > 0:16:01additional hurdle many face when growing their expert is obtaining
0:16:01 > 0:16:04affordable political risk insurance. What steps can my honourable
0:16:04 > 0:16:10friend's department take to help in this matter?My honourable friend
0:16:10 > 0:16:14asks a good and pertinent question, why UK Export Finance is working to
0:16:14 > 0:16:22make sure SMEs can access the insurance they need to invest
0:16:22 > 0:16:28overseas with confidence. Last year we launched an enhanced overseas
0:16:28 > 0:16:31investment insurance product to protect UK businesses against
0:16:31 > 0:16:38political risk investing abroad and I would strongly recommend that to
0:16:38 > 0:16:42companies in his Milton Keynes constituency.There's been a revival
0:16:42 > 0:16:45of small and medium-sized manufacturing in the Black Country
0:16:45 > 0:16:48over the last two and three years. With the Minister agree we need to
0:16:48 > 0:16:52do all we can to support those small and medium-sized manufacturing
0:16:52 > 0:16:54companies in the Black Country to access markets around the world
0:16:54 > 0:17:01which have development potential?My honourable friend makes a good and
0:17:01 > 0:17:04strong and pertinent point, not just about the Black Country but across
0:17:04 > 0:17:08the country. We have our export strategy which will be reporting in
0:17:08 > 0:17:13the spring, but can I remind the How's about the fantastic figures we
0:17:13 > 0:17:18have had on manufacturing? Record growth and output, the highest in
0:17:18 > 0:17:26ten years, growing 4% year-on-year, new data just out, and confidence in
0:17:26 > 0:17:30manufacturing is at its highest in four years according to the EDF.
0:17:30 > 0:17:36There is a very close literature between the success and export of
0:17:36 > 0:17:39small and medium-sized manufacturers and the viability of small and
0:17:39 > 0:17:43medium-sized road hauliers, many of whom are concerned at the
0:17:43 > 0:17:45possibility of having to incur substantial costs with bureaucracy
0:17:45 > 0:17:50if they can't get an agreement that driving licences in the UK for
0:17:50 > 0:17:54example will be recognised when we leave the EU. What assurances can be
0:17:54 > 0:17:57made that small road hauliers will not face any additional burdens and
0:17:57 > 0:18:02help them export to the EU after Brexit?As my right honourable
0:18:02 > 0:18:06friend the Secretary of State has pointed out, we are seeking a
0:18:06 > 0:18:10barrier free frictionless trading arrangement with the European Union
0:18:10 > 0:18:16as we leave, but I can point out to the honourable gentleman he is
0:18:16 > 0:18:18seeking to put in place the potential for barriers between
0:18:18 > 0:18:25Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom. 64% of Scottish exports go
0:18:25 > 0:18:36to the rest of the UK, compared with just 15% to the rest of the union.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39Minister, many SMEs have identified internal and external finances as
0:18:39 > 0:18:42well as a lack of awareness of support available to them as buyers
0:18:42 > 0:18:46entering the export market. Will the Minister ensure these concerns are
0:18:46 > 0:18:50addressed in the Government review of the export strategy?
0:18:50 > 0:18:55Mr Speaker, he makes a very good point which is certainly part of the
0:18:55 > 0:18:59export strategy. Can I remind him, and actually The whole House, but
0:18:59 > 0:19:02some of the work we have been doing to make sure finance is more
0:19:02 > 0:19:07accessible? We signed agreements in both July 2016 and July 2017 with
0:19:07 > 0:19:15the leading UK banks to ensure they get access, their customers, SME
0:19:15 > 0:19:18customers, can access finance were easily and UK finance in particular,
0:19:18 > 0:19:24make sure that is directly available.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions five, six and
0:19:28 > 0:19:33nine together. As we leave the EU the Government's objective is to
0:19:33 > 0:19:36maximise trading opportunities for the whole of the United Kingdom. As
0:19:36 > 0:19:39the Prime Minister has made clear including at the time of the joint
0:19:39 > 0:19:42declaration on the 8th of December we will be seeking a deep and
0:19:42 > 0:19:44special partnership with the EU but at the same thing looking to forge
0:19:44 > 0:19:47new and ambitious trade relationships with our partners
0:19:47 > 0:19:52around the world as we develop our independent trade policy.What
0:19:52 > 0:19:56discussion as he had with potential new trade agreement partners
0:19:56 > 0:19:58including those who have an agreement already within the EU and
0:19:58 > 0:20:06those with whom the Government has established trade dialogue overrated
0:20:06 > 0:20:09salute -- over regulatory alignment? In terms of agreements were already
0:20:09 > 0:20:14have what we are intending to do is maintain consistency in terms of
0:20:14 > 0:20:17those agreements and that is why we brought the trade legislation
0:20:17 > 0:20:20forward. We don't anticipate any change in that. We intend it to be
0:20:20 > 0:20:26the same as today to provide continuity for business.At the
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Secretary of State confirm whether maintaining full regulatory
0:20:29 > 0:20:34alignment with you will Centre forming standards, and that
0:20:34 > 0:20:38therefore chlorine washed chicken will not be entering the UK in the
0:20:38 > 0:20:48event of a future agreement -- regulatory alignment with the EU.We
0:20:48 > 0:20:52do not intend any donation in safety, environmental standards are
0:20:52 > 0:20:58workers' writes as we negotiate new trade agreements.Given how critical
0:20:58 > 0:21:01this issue is to maintaining an open border on the island of Ireland,
0:21:01 > 0:21:06what assessment has the secretary made of practical supervision and
0:21:06 > 0:21:10management of maintaining full regulatory alignment with the New --
0:21:10 > 0:21:19EU? Is an established?Alignment is about pursuing the same objectives,
0:21:19 > 0:21:25not the same as regulatory harmonisation. We hope our agreement
0:21:25 > 0:21:29with the Republic of Ireland is covered by a full and conference of
0:21:29 > 0:21:34agreement with the rest of the EU. The Irish government has been clear
0:21:34 > 0:21:37that a deal that maintains regulatory alignment means free
0:21:37 > 0:21:40movement of people, goods and services across the border to
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Northern Ireland. Since the UK Government has shown it is willing
0:21:43 > 0:21:47to give the nation of the UK differential deal, will they now
0:21:47 > 0:21:50bring to Brussels the Scottish Government proposals to keep
0:21:50 > 0:21:54Scotland and the Single Market and Customs union, and if not why not?
0:21:54 > 0:21:57Why not? When we leave the EU we leave the Single Market and the
0:21:57 > 0:22:08customs union. It is not that conjugated. -- complicated.The UK
0:22:08 > 0:22:11is proudly spending 0.7% of gross national income on overseas
0:22:11 > 0:22:15development assistance. The first G7 country to honour its promise to do
0:22:15 > 0:22:19so. We are also committed to ensuring developing countries can
0:22:19 > 0:22:22use trade as an engine of poverty reduction, and trade agreements play
0:22:22 > 0:22:27an important role in this. It is our priority to ensure developing
0:22:27 > 0:22:30countries maintained their preferential access to the UK market
0:22:30 > 0:22:38as we leave the EU.These texts ministers deliver are often far too
0:22:38 > 0:22:43long. I know there are people who scribble these things for ministers,
0:22:43 > 0:22:45but Ministers' responsibilities is to recognise the virtues of the
0:22:45 > 0:22:53pencil. Jimmy Quinn.I also recognise the wisdom there and I
0:22:53 > 0:22:58share my right honourable friend's as Britons. Can he see what he will
0:22:58 > 0:23:02do to put it into legislative effect?The cross-border trade bill
0:23:02 > 0:23:05we give a second reading too on Monday provided exactly for the
0:23:05 > 0:23:10scheme of preferences to be taken across into UK law. I find it
0:23:10 > 0:23:12absolutely extraordinary that the opposition parties voted against it.
0:23:12 > 0:23:19They voted against the UK having its own trade preferences scheme for
0:23:19 > 0:23:23developing countries. That is a disgrace, Mr Speaker and I very much
0:23:23 > 0:23:26hope they will reconsider their position as the bill makes it a
0:23:26 > 0:23:33passage through the House of Commons.Topical questions.Mr
0:23:33 > 0:23:36Speaker, you should see the length of the ones before we get to this
0:23:36 > 0:23:43point. My department, Mr Speaker, is responsible for UK exports,
0:23:43 > 0:23:48investment and trade policy. As we begin 2018 the House should note
0:23:48 > 0:23:52that in 2017 we had our older record of foreign investment, exports up
0:23:52 > 0:23:5714%, employment at a record level, yesterday we saw venture capital
0:23:57 > 0:24:00coming into tech firms was also at an all-time high, before the
0:24:00 > 0:24:04improvement in manufacturing performance.The secretary does not
0:24:04 > 0:24:07want to trade under EU rules under which we have considerable influence
0:24:07 > 0:24:11but is happy to trade under WTO rules were we don't have very much
0:24:11 > 0:24:15influence, so what does he find objectionable about EU trading was
0:24:15 > 0:24:20that he does not find objectionable about the WTO?That is to rather
0:24:20 > 0:24:24misunderstand the situation because the EU itself has to trade under WTO
0:24:24 > 0:24:28rules and is not exempt from them. We look forward to having our
0:24:28 > 0:24:32independent seat on the WTO, of which we were a former member, so we
0:24:32 > 0:24:35can have a greater say in global trading policy, because as members
0:24:35 > 0:24:42of the EU we have none.Can my right honourable friend tell the House
0:24:42 > 0:24:47what practical steps his department is taking to increase capacity in
0:24:47 > 0:24:53developing countries to trade their way to sustainable growth?Assisting
0:24:53 > 0:24:57trade capability in the developing world is one of the key parts of our
0:24:57 > 0:25:04strategy, launched by DFID last year. Can I also mention that in
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Buena Sarries last month the Secretary of State and I announced a
0:25:07 > 0:25:11big increase in funding for the WTO's enhance framework which does
0:25:11 > 0:25:21precisely this -- in Buenos Aires last month.The steel industry has
0:25:21 > 0:25:25repeatedly complained that this Government is not prepared to impose
0:25:25 > 0:25:27penalties on exports from countries with significant market distortions.
0:25:27 > 0:25:36America is clear. It has impose penalties on China under 232, and
0:25:36 > 0:25:40the EU is clear and recently voted to pass anti-dumping rules, but the
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Secretary of State has constantly ducked the issue and refused to say
0:25:42 > 0:25:45what his department will do after we leave the EU. When will he give the
0:25:45 > 0:25:52steel industry a straight answer? What a cheek, Mr Speaker! The very
0:25:52 > 0:25:55week when Labour voted against our ability to actually impose any
0:25:55 > 0:25:59penalties whatsoever in the future, the steel industry and steelworkers
0:25:59 > 0:26:03in this country were betrayed by the Labour Party this week. They would
0:26:03 > 0:26:08leave them as sitting ducks to dumping and subsidy. Such is their
0:26:08 > 0:26:14love for their new hard left Andy trade ideology. -- anti trade
0:26:14 > 0:26:18ideology.The Minister will be where Scotch whisky is one of the UK's
0:26:18 > 0:26:22greatest exporter and much of that is produced in my Moray
0:26:22 > 0:26:27constituency. Read 10% of the £4 billion annual exports are linked to
0:26:27 > 0:26:29free trade agreements. To the Minister update me on the steps he
0:26:29 > 0:26:35is taking to make sure when we leave the benefits of free trade
0:26:35 > 0:26:38agreements to the Scotch whisky industry are maintained? -- could
0:26:38 > 0:26:42the Minister update me.He makes a very important point. The Government
0:26:42 > 0:26:46is committed to seeking continuity in its current trade and
0:26:46 > 0:26:48relationships including those covered by EU trade preferences.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52Scotch whisky is a very important part of our exports, and we want to
0:26:52 > 0:26:58maintain the vital bilateral dispute mechanisms, all of which are part of
0:26:58 > 0:27:03the Scotch Whisky's contribution to our economy.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06In setting up the trade remedies authority the Government will need
0:27:06 > 0:27:13to include a full range of skills, knowledge, experience. Will it
0:27:13 > 0:27:15include representation from the default governments and trade
0:27:15 > 0:27:20unions? The Government is still looking at
0:27:20 > 0:27:25the potential membership. Of course before we can do so, we have to have
0:27:25 > 0:27:29the legal basis for establishing the trade remedies authority. The
0:27:29 > 0:27:33honourable gentleman voted with his party against its establishment.
0:27:33 > 0:27:38Last year I welcome the organisation when they launch their report on the
0:27:38 > 0:27:45state of small businesses. It said just 18% of British SMEs are
0:27:45 > 0:27:48exporting around the world to what more can the Department of trade do
0:27:48 > 0:27:51to help our innovative small businesses, especially by providing
0:27:51 > 0:27:55more information on local rules and regulations they face in other
0:27:55 > 0:28:02markets?Mr Speaker, can I thank my honourable friend for that question.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06All she does to champion jumps for an exporter is building on her great
0:28:06 > 0:28:14expertise in the elsewhere -- to champion Chelmsford. As my right
0:28:14 > 0:28:18honourable friend explain earlier we are seeing significant success. The
0:28:18 > 0:28:25baroness recently announced a new export readiness tool on the website
0:28:25 > 0:28:28to help SMEs better understand how export ready they aren't what they
0:28:28 > 0:28:29can do to start exporting or
0:28:58 > 0:29:02With particular reference to the
0:29:02 > 0:29:05trade remedies authorities could my right honourable friend expand
0:29:05 > 0:29:08further on the potential consequences at the house voted it
0:29:08 > 0:29:14down this week?Mr Speaker if we did not establish our own trade remedies
0:29:14 > 0:29:17authority we would be unable to protect British business from
0:29:17 > 0:29:25dumping and subsidy in future who work in the steel industry or who
0:29:25 > 0:29:31work in the strikes industry will now know the Conservative Party is
0:29:31 > 0:29:34determined to have the legal protections they deserve, the Labour
0:29:34 > 0:29:38Party and their allies in this house voted against giving our businesses
0:29:38 > 0:29:45and those workers that protection. Scotland is known internationally
0:29:45 > 0:29:49for its high-quality food and drink such as whiskey and seafood but
0:29:49 > 0:29:53there is real concern about the loss of protected geographical
0:29:53 > 0:29:57indications which are backed by the EU so how will be Secretary of State
0:29:57 > 0:30:00consult all the devolved governments to help them protect their unique
0:30:00 > 0:30:07product?The honourable lady should judge the government by its action
0:30:07 > 0:30:13because in the transitional adoption of the agreements we already have as
0:30:13 > 0:30:17a member of the EU in those 40 trade agreements protection of GI is an
0:30:17 > 0:30:26essential part of that. The SNP voted against that as well.Exports
0:30:26 > 0:30:33from my constituency in Aberdeen include agricultural things,
0:30:33 > 0:30:36including the will leading supplier of engineering solutions award with
0:30:36 > 0:30:41the impact be on Aberdeen of not being able to enter into continuity
0:30:41 > 0:30:46agreement which the EU already has trade deals.Clearly there would be
0:30:46 > 0:30:50a major disruption in the local economy which is why it's so
0:30:50 > 0:30:52important we get the continuity and the reason the government brought
0:30:52 > 0:30:58for the trade bill with the parameters it has is we are looking
0:30:58 > 0:31:01simply to get stability and continuity on those agreements we
0:31:01 > 0:31:04already have. I reiterate as I said in a house a couple of days ago it's
0:31:04 > 0:31:08not about new free trade agreements it is about giving stability to the
0:31:08 > 0:31:15ones we already have. I'm amazed anyone should vote against it.What
0:31:15 > 0:31:20analysis has the department done on the cost to business of complying
0:31:20 > 0:31:24with possible new nontariff barriers and what help of a government
0:31:24 > 0:31:26provide to small and medium enterprises in understanding the
0:31:26 > 0:31:32impact of any possible changes in this area?Of course we look at all
0:31:32 > 0:31:35possible scenarios but I reiterate what I have said several times today
0:31:35 > 0:31:40is what we want to see with the European Union is an open and
0:31:40 > 0:31:43comrades of trading agreement, not just because it's good for the
0:31:43 > 0:31:46United Kingdom but because it's good for the EU itself because EU member
0:31:46 > 0:31:50states are looking for other companies to have access to UK
0:31:50 > 0:31:56markets just as we are doing on the other direction.Last month I
0:31:56 > 0:32:01welcomed the delegation from Taiwan to my constituency and he met with
0:32:01 > 0:32:05representations of the store renewable sector and the seafood
0:32:05 > 0:32:08sector, will ministers work with me and local businesses to ensure we
0:32:08 > 0:32:15maximise exports to the growing market?I chaired last month our
0:32:15 > 0:32:20second talks with Taiwan and I can tell him renewable energy is at the
0:32:20 > 0:32:24heart of those toxic. The UK has the highest capacity market anywhere in
0:32:24 > 0:32:27the world for sure wind and it is a strong interest to the