Oral Answers to Questions Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateLuke Hall
Main Page: Luke Hall (Conservative - Thornbury and Yate)Department Debates - View all Luke Hall's debates with the Department for International Trade
(7 years, 7 months ago)
Commons ChamberA lot of these matters will form part of the trade Bill which will be introduced in this Session. What is most important is that, as we seek a smooth and orderly exit from the European Union, we seek to replicate all of those existing EU free trade agreements, to provide certainty and stability for our businesses as we go forward to enable them to access both existing and future markets.
4. What estimate he has made of the value of the contribution of the food and drink sector to UK exports.
10. What estimate he has made of the value of the contribution of the food and drink sector to UK exports.
I gently say to the Minister that the grouping is with Nos. 10 and 12. [Interruption.] No, a question was withdrawn, and it might well be the case that the briefing had not kept up with the evolution of events, I say to the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman). That should satisfy him; he does not seem easily satisfied this morning, but that will have to do.
The answer to my hon. Friend’s question exemplifies the type of tailored help the Department for International Trade can give. Working with our officials in the south-west and local producers and businesses, we have created the Great British Food programme, which is designed specifically to allow south-west food and drink businesses to interact directly with overseas buyers. We have already seen them working with the EU, Turkey and China, and since April 2016 we have won over £19 million-worth of business across more than 30 export markets.