Oral Answers to Questions

Nia Griffith Excerpts

Thursday 3rd March 2022 Commons Chamber

[Mike Freer]

All I can suggest is that the hon. Gentleman gets his exporters to talk to me and not to him, because we will provide them with an optimistic and enthusiastic support service. He should come along on 9 March to the export showcase and find out the specifics of the practical support that we will give to his constituents.

[Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab)]

Recent research from the British Chambers of Commerce shows that over two thirds of SMEs that export say that the EU trade deal is not enabling them to grow or increase sales. Rather than just saying that he is waiting for answers from the EU, as he did at the last International Trade questions, will the Minister tell us precisely what proposals he has made to the EU, and when, to reduce the additional cost of paperwork associated with export health certificates and to eliminate the problem of companies being asked to register for VAT in multiple EU states?

[Mike Freer]

I will take that question away to my colleagues in both the Treasury and the Foreign Office, and get her a detailed answer.