EU: Non-financial Services

Lord Fowler Excerpts

Wednesday 2nd September 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord Whitty (Lab) [V]]

My Lords, nearly three years ago I chaired an inquiry into non-financial services. As far as I can see, and from what the Minister says, virtually none of the concerns of those sectors has yet resulted in an actual agreement, even in draft. It would of course be helpful if the Minister could undertake to get his department to reply to each of the recommendations in that report but, for today, perhaps he could respond on just two sectors. On the creative industries—music, film, broadcasting and theatre in particular—what progress has been made for reciprocal provisions on intellectual property, free movement, particularly mode 4, and even such basic things as transportation of musical instruments and theatrical scenery, for example? On transport, specifically aviation—I declare my vice-presidency of BALPA in the first sector—and road haulage, aside from any short-term contingency provisions—

[The Lord Speaker (Lord Fowler)]

Too long.

[Lord Whitty (Lab)]

Progress has to be made on obtaining long-term reciprocal EU-UK arrangements for those sectors.

[The Lord Speaker (Lord Fowler)]

Before the Minister replies, I remind Members that we have now gone for four and a half minutes and have had only two questions. If people could keep their questions short, it would be much appreciated by the House.

[Lord True (Con)]

My Lords, I cannot answer all the questions that the noble Lord has asked, for the reasons discussed, but I will seek out the answer to his question on his report. So far as reciprocal arrangements are concerned, I repeat what I said earlier: namely, that the Government are seeking to make progress but there are technical delays in the negotiations as a result of the EU’s position.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord True (Con)]

My Lords, the Government are not giving a running commentary on the negotiations. We remain in close contact with our EU counterparts. There were discussions yesterday and we look forward to the next round of talks in London next week. I can promise my noble friend that we will publish the agenda for that next round towards the end of the week as usual.

[The Lord Speaker (Lord Fowler)]

My Lords, the time allowed for this Question has elapsed. I apologise to the two Members who have been excluded.