Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Laurence Robertson and Kevin Hollinrake

Thursday 7th March 2024 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Kevin Hollinrake)]

The hon. Lady raises an important point. We do not shy away from the fact that things have been difficult for businesses, with the covid crisis, of course, followed by the cost of doing business crisis. That is why we stepped in to support businesses, with a £4.3 billion package for rates last autumn, which has helped many businesses to get through a difficult time. Unfortunately, that support has not been passed on in Scotland and Wales, but it certainly has in England. I am very happy to meet with her to discuss her particular business problem.

[Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con)]

T7. Because of its very large population and economic activity, Nigeria offers many opportunities for British businesses. I understand that there was a recent ministerial visit to that country. Could we have a brief report of the outcome of that visit?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Laurence Robertson and Kevin Hollinrake

Thursday 30th November 2023 Commons Chamber

[Kevin Hollinrake]

The hon. Lady raises an important point. That is something we are looking at; we have been looking at it for some time, and are keen to bring forward the results of our deliberations very shortly.

[Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con)]

May I ask the Trade Minister, whom I welcome back to his position, what efforts the Government are making to raise awareness of the developing countries trading scheme, particularly among African countries? What encouragement is he giving those countries to take advantage of that scheme, which would benefit them and us?