Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the oral statement of 16 July 2018, Official Report, column 41 on trade policy, what the timescale is for publishing impact assessments; and whether that timescale will effect the final outcome of the provisions in new trade agreements.

The Government is committed to providing Parliament with timely information about the Government’s approach to trade and investment negotiations and the potential implications of any new agreements.

Prior to entering formal negotiations, on any new free trade agreement, the Government will publish high-level objectives accompanied by a scoping assessment.

As negotiations progress, the Government will update Parliament regularly. This will include timely analysis at appropriate points.

At the end of a negotiation, the Government will lay before Parliament an impact assessment alongside any treaty it intends to ratify, as is the current process for treaty ratification.