Oral Answers to Questions

Mark Prisk Excerpts

Thursday 8th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Dr Fox]

My team will be placing a great deal of emphasis on looking at our relationship with the WTO and where we exist on the current EU schedules.

[Mr Mark Prisk (Hertford and Stortford) (Con)]

On 24 November, I am hosting an exporters summit for businesses in the M11 area. I thank officials in the Department for their fantastic support. Given the importance of winning new trade opportunities, does the Secretary of State agree that all Members have the chance to play their part in ensuring that more British firms export to not only Europe, but the whole world?

[Dr Fox]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on his personal commitment to trade and the practical way in which he is demonstrating it. He makes a useful point. All of us should encourage businesses in our constituencies to export. In a nation that built itself upon free trade, it is disappointing that only 11% of businesses export. I hope that my Department will help all Members improve that position and create the expertise required to get all parts of the United Kingdom exporting to all parts of the globe.