Asked by: Natalie McGarry (Independent - Glasgow East)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, which reports commissioned by his Department from external bodies between 1 January 2015 and 31 August 2016 have not yet been published; when each report was commissioned for research; what the nature of the research commissioned was; from which external body or individual person the research was commissioned; what the value was of each such piece of research commissioned; on what date each report was received by his Department; for what reasons the research has not yet been published; and when he plans to publish each report.
Answered by Greg Hands
Between 1 January 2015 and 31 August 2016 the Department for International Trade (former UK Trade and Investment, Business, Innovation and Skills Trade Policy Group and UK Export Finance) commissioned 21 studies to external organisations which have not yet been published. The table attached contains the details. Information with regards to the value of the project cannot be disclosed until the projects are completed.
Asked by: Natalie McGarry (Independent - Glasgow East)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential risks to (a) trade and (b) investment of the UK leaving the EU for (i) Glasgow, (ii) Scotland and (iii) the UK.
Answered by Greg Hands
Recent figures on jobs and growth have shown we enter this period of adjustment from a position of economic strength. We have the tools we need to address the challenges ahead and mitigate risks, especially with the creation of the new Department for Exiting the European Union. We are confident we will get the best possible trade and investment deals for all parts of the United Kingdom as we leave the EU. We will also continue to work closely with the Scottish Government, giving them every opportunity to have their say as we form our negotiating strategy and we will look at any suggestions they put forward.