Trade Talks with India, Greenland and Israel

Debate between Lord Hamilton of Epsom and Lord Grimstone of Boscobel

Wednesday 9th March 2022 Lords Chamber

[Lord Grimstone of Boscobel (Con)]

My Lords, first, if I may just offer a small correction to the noble Lord, the Ponsonby rule survived for 86 years before it was supplanted by CRaG. I can completely confirm that now that they are governed by CRaG, the Government will abide by CRaG in all the appropriate circumstances.

[Lord Hamilton of Epsom (Con)]

My Lords, does my noble friend accept that however much Parliament oversees free trade agreements, it cannot amend them?

[Lord Grimstone of Boscobel (Con)]

My Lords, I recognise the point, but free trade agreements are negotiated under the royal prerogative. The House has full opportunities to scrutinise these agreements as they move to ratification, and I believe this should be sufficient for noble Lords.