The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Lord Callanan)
(Con):...Around 60% of Scottish and Welsh exports are to the rest
of the UK, which is around three times as much as exports to the
whole of the rest of the European Union. About 50% of Northern
Ireland’s sales are to Great Britain. When we leave the transition
period at the end of this year, an unprecedented number of powers
will flow from the EU to the devolved nations and...Request free trial
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy () (Con):...Around
60% of Scottish and Welsh exports are to the rest of the UK, which
is around three times as much as exports to the whole of the rest
of the European Union. About 50% of Northern Ireland’s sales are to
Great Britain. When we leave the transition period at the end of
this year, an unprecedented number of powers will flow from the EU
to the devolved nations and the UK Government. As this happens, and
as we recover from Covid, we must ensure that our economy is
stronger than ever. The Bill will guarantee the continued
functioning of our internal market to ensure that trade remains
unhindered in the UK and businesses can continue to operate with
certainty. Without the Bill a Welsh lamb producer, for whom almost
60% of the market is the rest of the UK, could end up unable to
sell their lamb as easily as before. Scotch Whisky
producers could lose access to supply from English barley farmers,
unnecessarily putting at risk Scotland’s own
Whisky industry...
(LD):...The Minister did not refer to a defence
of Part 5, but I was curious that he referenced Whisky and the odd situation,
which will be news to English barley providers, in which they
cannot sell to Scottish distilleries. They have not been barred
from doing so since 1933 in the first legislation, and there are no
restrictions. It will be news to the distilleries, which buy their
malted barley from Simpsons Malt in my hometown in Berwick, in
England, that there is somehow some threat to this. I hope the
Minister can clarify that point. Under labelling, composition and
standards, that will be covered by the common framework. In fact,
that framework was published on 9 October, so where is the
necessity for these elements in the example the Minister gave?
(Con):...The Bill makes a great deal of sense. We need the internal
market to function smoothly. As we leave the EU single market, our
own UK single market will be even more important. As an economist
by training, I believe in the theory of comparative advantage, and
that applies across the UK. We need to avoid protectionist measures
so, for example, the Scots and English can exchange
Scotch Whisky and London gin without
hindrance or charge. I apologise for resorting to GCSE economics,
but the point is a very important one, and it is equally valid for
services—80% of the economy. I declare my interests in the
register...
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