Oral Answers to Questions

Duncan Baker Excerpts

Thursday 19th November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con)]

What steps the Government are taking to maintain food and farming standards in future trade agreements.

[Duncan Baker (North Norfolk) (Con)]

What steps the Government are taking to maintain food and farming standards in future trade agreements.

[Virginia Crosbie (Ynys Môn) (Con)]

What steps the Government are taking to maintain food and farming standards in future trade agreements.

--- Later in debate ---

[Greg Hands]

We plan to table that amendment to the Trade Bill on Report in the House of Lords. The scheduling of business is obviously a matter for business managers, but we intend the Bill to be completed by the end of the transition period.

[Duncan Baker]

I represent a rural constituency, North Norfolk, where farming is the lifeblood for so many. My farmers are delighted about the Trade and Agriculture Commission’s statutory footing, and that move has also been applauded by the National Farmers Union. Will the Minister reassure my constituents that the commission will protect animal welfare and farming standards, and help to allow the farming sector to assess the deals that come forward for that important sector?

[Greg Hands]

I know from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State how important farming is in Norfolk, in both her constituency and that of my hon. Friend. Farming has a strong voice on the Trade and Agriculture Commission, and the NFU, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru, the Farmers Union of Wales, and the Ulster Farmers Union are on it. It puts UK farming at the heart of our trade agenda, and allows the sector to help advise on our future trade deals.