Oral Answers to Questions

Desmond Swayne Excerpts

Thursday 20th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[Dr Fox]

The hon. Lady raises an important point. Of course, we have a number of agreements already with a number of Commonwealth countries and groups of Commonwealth countries, and we are close to signing one, which we will announce to the House shortly. However, we are also concerned about the level of intra-Commonwealth trade and how we can use that very large population, often with common legal rules, to enhance it. At the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London, we set out our plans for a trade audit tool to help improve it, and we have had very positive engagement on that. There is tremendous opportunity inside the Commonwealth to allow countries to trade their way out of poverty, and we intend to ensure that that is made possible.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

It is vital to forbear from agreeing a price before negotiations begin and to maintain the ability to walk away, isn’t it?

[Dr Fox]

Self-evidently.