Asked by: Chris Elmore (Labour - Ogmore)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the compatibility of the proposed UK-US trade deal with the UK Government's proposed legislation on online harms; and if she will make a statement.
Answered by Greg Hands - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
HM Government is committed to making the United Kingdom the safest place in the world to be online and the best place to start and grow a digital business. The Department for International Trade is working closely with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to carefully consider any interaction between trade policy and Online Harms policy in future trade agreements. I can confirm that HM Government stands by our Online Harms commitment, and nothing in the US trade deal will affect that.
Asked by: Chris Elmore (Labour - Ogmore)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what meetings she has had with representatives from (a) Facebook and (b) the Internet Association in which Section 230 of the US Communications Decency Act 1996 was discussed; and if she will make a statement.
Answered by Greg Hands - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Secretary of State has had no meetings with representatives from Facebook and the Internet Association.
Asked by: Chris Elmore (Labour - Ogmore)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what plans he has to promote the UK steel industry in future trade deal negotiations.
Answered by Mark Garnier
The UK is a leading proponent for free trade and is committed to supporting the UK steel industry to secure a sustainable future.
The Government has commissioned independent research into future market opportunities for UK steel and is actively encouraging the sector to identify the capabilities it will need to act on the findings. We are also preparing a UK trade remedies framework for when we leave the EU that will provide a safety net for our businesses against unfair trading practices, including in the steel sector.
Asked by: Chris Elmore (Labour - Ogmore)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps his Department is taking to promote exports of Welsh agriculture produce.
Answered by Greg Hands - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The UK Food and Drink International Action Plan was launched in October this year following extensive consultation with key stakeholders including the Welsh Government. The plan sets out how Government and industry will work together to boost exports and outlines nine campaigns, led by the Department for International Trade, covering the major global growth markets for international sales. We recognise the importance of Welsh agricultural produce to our economy and our campaigns are open for participation from producers in Wales and will support producers equally across the whole of the UK.
Asked by: Chris Elmore (Labour - Ogmore)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what plans he has to promote trade with other Commonwealth nations.
Answered by Mark Garnier
We already enjoy excellent trading relationships with our Commonwealth partners and we are committed to strengthening these further. In March 2017, the UK is co-hosting, with Malta, the inaugural Commonwealth Trade Ministers’ Meeting in London. This will be an excellent opportunity to promote greater trade and investment within the Commonwealth.
We will further strengthen our relations through bilateral engagement and the range of activities and support we offer globally such as trade fairs, events, missions, and bespoke support for individual businesses. In addition, UK Export Finance has significant appetite to help exporters win, fulfil and get paid for business in Commonwealth nations, and welcomes new applications for support.
Asked by: Chris Elmore (Labour - Ogmore)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps he plans to take to strengthen Wales' international business links.
Answered by Mark Garnier
My Rt hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade has visited Scotland and Northern Ireland, and has plans to visit Wales in November 2016.
The Department for International Trade, whilst representing the whole of the United Kingdom, also has an excellent working relationship with Welsh Government.
The five-year Exporting is GREAT campaign is designed to inspire and support UK companies to take advantage of the global appetite for UK products, skills and expertise in markets around the world, driving them to start exporting or increase their international business. This includes launching a Directory of UK businesses in November that will provide a world-leading platform for companies to promote themselves in lucrative global markets.