Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Derek Thomas and Liam Fox

Thursday 9th February 2017 Commons Chamber

[Derek Thomas (St Ives) (Con)]

6. What steps his Department is taking to open new markets to businesses in Cornwall in (a) the food and drink and (b) other sectors.

[The Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade (Dr Liam Fox)]

The south-west FoodEx directory connects food and drink companies in Cornwall with buyers across the world. Local companies can also benefit from FoodEx workshops. Cornish companies in all sectors can access the full range of Department for International Trade services. We have launched the GREAT.gov.uk website, and our experienced international trade advisers are supporting new Cornish exporters to step into the global marketplace and helping experienced exporters compete in high-growth markets.

[Derek Thomas]

In west Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, a flurry of businesses have been producing food, drink and other goods. There is no doubt about the quality of their produce, but the reality is that very few of those products—food and drink—go beyond Cornish borders, let alone overseas. Will the Minister accept an invitation to meet these producers and help them to expand their markets?