Trade and Agriculture Commission and Trade Remedies Authority

Lord Stevenson of Balmacara Excerpts

Thursday 15th October 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord Grimstone of Boscobel (Con)]

Decisions on financial privilege are taken by the Speaker, following clear parliamentary procedure. The Government do not have any input into this process.

[Lord Stevenson of Balmacara (Lab) [V]]

My Lords, after the Trade Bill receives Royal Assent, the Secretary of State will have the power to appoint the TRA chair and its non-executive directors and approve the appointment of the TRA chief executive officer, all without independent scrutiny or parliamentary approval. How do those authoritarian powers protect the TRA’s operational independence and ability to make impartial assessments, as required by the Bill?

[Lord Grimstone of Boscobel (Con)]

My Lords, we will be debating these matters during the Trade Bill Committee this afternoon, when I will cover the topic in more depth. However, I can assure the noble Lord that, in appointing people to the TRA board, we will strictly adhere to the code on public appointments and make sure that people who are appointed are all completely fit for purpose.