Oral Answers to Questions Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Wales Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Philip Hollobone Excerpts
Wednesday 23rd November 2022

(1 year, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
David T C Davies Portrait David T. C. Davies
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

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)
- Hansard - -

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)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

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
- Hansard - -

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
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

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.