Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Steve Baker and Nick Smith

Thursday 3rd May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Baker]

We are taking back control of our borders, but we should always welcome people who come here to contribute to our economy. We have asked the independent Migration Advisory Committee to look carefully at how we can reach this goal. Its report is due in September and it would be wrong to pre-empt it.

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

When will we see a seasonal agricultural workers scheme for UK farmers to ensure that our crops do not rot in the ground?

[Mr Baker]

At the moment, farmers have access to European economic area migrants. I look forward to the Migration Advisory Committee’s report. The Home Office is of course perfectly capable of instituting a seasonal workers scheme, should one be necessary, in due course.