Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Davies Excerpts

Thursday 22nd February 2018 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Chris Davies (Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con)]

1. What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the trade envoy programme.

[The Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade (Dr Liam Fox)]

The Prime Minister’s trade envoys do a great job engaging with countries where trade and investment opportunities have been identified. Last year, trade envoys helped contribute to export wins of more than £15.5 billion in their markets. Based on an outlay of just under £250,000 for the programme over the same period, each trade envoy, on average, supported £700 million in exports.

[Chris Davies]

Does my right hon. Friend plan to appoint any further trade envoys beyond those already appointed?

[Dr Fox]

That is the least disguised job application that I have heard in some time. There are 30 trade envoys covering 60 markets around the world. The programme is reviewed regularly in consultation with our overseas team and any new suggestions are put to the Prime Minister. I will let my hon. Friend know as soon as possible if any vacancies occur.

--- Later in debate ---

[Victoria Atkins]

Upskirting is a modern phenomenon, and it is fair to say that the law has not quite kept up with modern habits. It is an issue of which I am aware, not least because my police and crime commissioner campaigns on it thoroughly. The Government are considering the issue, and perhaps in due course I could meet the hon. Lady to discuss it with her.

[Chris Davies (Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con)]

What ongoing work are the Government doing to tackle domestic violence?

[Amber Rudd]

I reassure my hon. Friend that we take domestic violence very seriously. We will shortly bring forward a consultation ahead of a new domestic violence Bill that will address that heinous crime and, I believe, start to reduce the amount of domestic abuse and violence that exists in this country.