Extract from
International Trade Questions: WTO: Food Security and
Agriculture
Mr (South Norfolk)
(Con): Does the Department for International Trade
accept that what one needs for international trade is willing
buyers and sellers? Has the Department made any estimate of how
much lower food prices will be to British consumers if we leave
the European Union without the withdrawal agreement?
The Minister for Trade Policy (George
Hollingbery): The situation after a hard Brexit—a
no-deal Brexit—is a complex one and will rely on a large number
of factors. Some Government policies are yet to be absolutely
finalised. The pricing of goods in the UK market, particularly
for food, is regarded as extremely sensitive, as indeed are the
incomes and livelihoods of farmers throughout the UK who rely on
selling those products.
(Taunton Deane) (Con):
The EU is the largest trading partner for agriculture and food
for this country and, under our relationship with the EU,
agriculture has blossomed. Margins are very tight. Will the
Minister give assurances that, in the worst-case scenario,
agriculture will not suffer under WTO rules? In the best-case
scenario, does he agree that accepting the deal is by far the
best option for our farmers?
: I apologise,
Mr Speaker—I was not listening carefully to the question. I am
told by my Front-Bench colleagues that the answer is yes and
yes.
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Extract from Topical
Question
(Delyn)
(Lab): Sheep farmers in my constituency export 92%
of their produce to Europe and beyond, but have absolutely no
idea what is going to happen to their product after 29 March next
year. What comfort can the Secretary of State give those sheep
farmers to allow them to enjoy a happy Christmas?
The Secretary of State for International Trade and
President of the Board of Trade (Dr Liam Fox): Were
there to be no deal, that would be a problem for the export of
sheepmeat to Europe, so there is one clear answer available to
the right hon. Gentleman, which is to support the Government’s
proposal, which will enable his constituents to get the market
assuredness that they want.
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