Oral Answers to Questions

Kieran Mullan Excerpts

Thursday 3rd September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jayawardena]

Arm is a very successful business, and I have regular conversations with colleagues in a number of Departments. The most important thing is that we ensure the environment in the UK is one in which all sorts of businesses want to work and, of course, that we preserve our national security.

[Dr Kieran Mullan (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con)]

What recent steps she has taken to reduce tariffs on UK exports.

[Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con)]

What recent steps she has taken to reduce tariffs on UK exports.

[Dr Mullan]

I am proud to say that since 1962 Crewe has been home to Whitby Morrison, a family-owned ice cream van manufacturer recognised as a world leader. It exports its vans to more than 60 countries worldwide, but it still faces considerable trade barriers. Will the Secretary of State assure me that in trade talks with Japan, the US, Australia and other countries, ice cream vans are on the list so that we can back this great British export?

[Elizabeth Truss]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on his championing of this fantastic ice cream van business. Such vans are indeed a great export and currently face tariffs of up to 5% with some of our negotiating partners. We will certainly be looking at removing those tariffs as well as other tariffs as part of the trade deals we are looking to strike.