Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Charlie Elphicke and Guto Bebb

Wednesday 13th December 2017 Commons Chamber

[Guto Bebb]

I can give the same assurances that I have given to Welsh farming unions and farmers across Wales. This Government are working for a comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU, but we also see opportunities to export Welsh lamb to other parts of the world. We have had recent success in exporting Welsh lamb to the middle east, for example. I can assure Welsh farmers that the Government are committed to markets within the EU, and also to expanding opportunities throughout the globe.

[Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Ind)]

Is it not also important to look at the opportunities for Wales from imports with lower tariffs on food and clothes, which could particularly benefit the least well-off?

[Guto Bebb]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question. Opportunities are being grasped by Welsh businesses as we speak. Exports from Wales have increased dramatically—by 18% in the last year—and it is interesting to note that while there has been a 16% increase in exports to the EU, there has been an increase of over 22% in exports to the rest of the world. Welsh manufacturers and businesses are taking the opportunity to export to all parts of the globe.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Charlie Elphicke and Guto Bebb

Wednesday 8th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Guto Bebb]

I have a very fond recollection of a holiday on the isle of Barra when I was 10 years old where I heard Scots-Gaelic being spoken in the streets. I understand that an increase of £1 million for BBC Alba has been announced, which is to be welcomed, and I would say that people in Scotland want to support that language in Scotland in the same way as people in Wales want to support the Welsh language.

[Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con)]

4. What assessment he has made of the strength of Wales’s international business links since the UK’s decision to leave the EU.