Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Wales Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Philip Hollobone Excerpts
Wednesday 23rd November 2022

(1 year, 12 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David T C Davies Portrait David T. C. Davies
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I agree with my right hon. and learned Friend. It is incumbent on all of us in this Chamber to support the decisions of the court, as I am sure all of us do.

Philip Hollobone Portrait Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)
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6. Whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the export of Welsh lamb to the United States.

James Davies Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dr James Davies)
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I was delighted to hear that the first shipment of British lamb left Wales for the USA last month. The USA lamb market is estimated to be worth £37 million over the next five years, with over 300 million consumers who can now access and enjoy our world-renowned Welsh lamb.

Philip Hollobone Portrait Mr Hollobone
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It is great that Welsh lamb has now been exported to the United States for the first time in 20 years. The National Farmers Union has set out a detailed strategy outlining its ambition to grow the UK’s food, drink and agricultural exports by 30% by 2030. Will the Minister work with the NFU to realise this laudable ambition to drive the total value of British agrifoods exports to more than £30 billion by that date?

James Davies Portrait Dr Davies
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I certainly will. I look forward to attending the royal Welsh winter fair next week, when I will be meeting the NFU. Wales has a major role in achieving increased exports and, when it comes to lamb, trade deals with the Gulf Co-operation Council, among others, could be key.