Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Murrison Excerpts
Thursday 20th April 2017

(7 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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George Eustice Portrait George Eustice
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The hon. Gentleman and I have discussed this a number of times, and he is aware that the review that we intended to carry out last year was delayed because of the referendum, which has clearly changed the context dramatically. We continue to have discussions with Scottish industry; indeed, just yesterday I met NFU Scotland to discuss future agriculture policy.

Andrew Murrison Portrait Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con)
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What can be done to encourage the European Union to promote the processing of foodstuffs in developing countries? I am thinking particularly of olive oil and coffee, where the value added tends to be within the European Union.

George Eustice Portrait George Eustice
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The UK and indeed a number of other European countries have preferential trade agreements in place to support developing countries and give them tariff-free access to the European market. This is important to the development of some of those countries, and the issues that my hon. Friend raises are regularly discussed at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council.