Asked by: Stephen Kinnock (Labour - Aberafan Maesteg)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the Government will continue to apply the standards forming the basis of the EU's Everything But Arms programme in UK trade with the world's least-developed countries after the UK has left the EU.
Answered by Greg Hands
The UK remains committed to ensuring developing countries can reduce poverty through trading opportunities, helping them leave aid dependency behind.
The UK has a strong history of protecting standards and promoting our values globally. We will in due course consider all options in the design of future trade arrangements including preferences for least developed countries, and how developing countries can become our trading partners of the future.
Asked by: Stephen Kinnock (Labour - Aberafan Maesteg)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent estimate he has made of the level of procurement of British steel by his Department since it was established.
Answered by Mark Garnier - Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Work and Pensions)
The information is not centrally held in the form requested. Over the last year Government has acted to level the playing field for UK steel producers in light of the complex global challenges faced by the UK steel sector. Last December Government issued guidance to central government departments on how to ensure that they take full account of the value provided by UK steel producers when conducting their procurement activities. This guidance is also being extended to the wider public sector.
Asked by: Stephen Kinnock (Labour - Aberafan Maesteg)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the UK Steel industry of granting China market economy status.
Answered by Greg Hands
The Government has pressed the Commission over the last year on whether it considers China should be granted Market Economy Status and, if so, how it proposes the EU should respond. When we have the Commission’s proposals, we will consider them in detail, including whether they address the concerns of the UK steel sector.
Asked by: Stephen Kinnock (Labour - Aberafan Maesteg)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if he will be part of the UK-China economic and financial dialogue meeting in November 2016; and whether the illegal dumping of steel by China will form part of the discussions at that meeting.
Answered by Greg Hands
My Rt Hon Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, alongside other Government Ministers, is attending the UK-China economic and financial dialogue meeting in November 2016, at which a range of issues will be discussed.