The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jonathan Ashworth on 2016-07-19.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has responsibility for the public register of beneficial ownership of UK companies.
Margot James
The register of people with significant control will be held at Companies House, which is an agency of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Gwynne on 2016-07-19.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what his Department’s plans are for the Office for Life Sciences; and if he will make a statement.
Joseph Johnson
The Office for Life Sciences was established in 2011 to support the development and adoption of 21st century health and life sciences technology, delivering the improved patient outcomes and increasing wider growth and prosperity. This agenda remains a core part of the Government’s plans for a comprehensive industrial strategy and for transforming health and care.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Helen Jones on 2016-07-19.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will discuss with Marks and Spencer PLC its plans to introduce changes to pay and conditions for staff working at nights and weekends associated with the introduction of the new national minimum wage.
Margot James
Provided that they obey the law and pay their workers at least the National Living Wage where it applies, it is for employers to decide how they manage increases in their wage bill.
But it is my clear view that all employers look to implement the National Living Wage in the spirit in which it was introduced. The Government believes that it is essential for employers to ensure that their reward packages are competitive, in order to retain and develop the staff who are fundamental to their success.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by David Lammy on 2016-07-19.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what estimate his Department has made of how long it will take to negotiate the UK’s membership of the World Trade Organisation when the UK leaves the EU.
Mark Garnier
The UK is a Member of the WTO in its own right. However, in leaving the EU, we will need to update the terms of our WTO membership where, at present, our commitments are applied through the EU as a whole.
We recognise the need to work with the EU and with other WTO Members in order to ensure a smooth transition which minimises the disruption to our trading relationships with other WTO Members, including developing country Members and our closest trading partners.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by David Lammy on 2016-07-19.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many trade negotiators are employed by his Department.
Greg Hands
The Rt hon Member will be aware that my Rt hon Friend the Prime Minister has created a new Department for International Trade, which is responsible for promoting British trade across the world and ensuring the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us. We are building up our trade policy capability. The new Department has begun a process to recruit and train staff to work on the UK’s trade policy. We will adapt the resource devoted to trade policy in line with future demands.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by David Lammy on 2016-07-19.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what estimate his Department has made of how long it will take to negotiate bilateral trade deals with (a) USA, (b) China, (c) Japan, (d) Canada and (e) other large non-EU trading partners once the UK leaves the EU.
Greg Hands
I refer the Rt hon Member to the answer of 21 July to UIN 42585.
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The below Parliamentary question was asked by David Lammy on 2016-07-19.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what estimate his Department has made of how long it will take to negotiate a trade deal with the EU after the UK leaves the EU.
Mark Garnier
It is in the interests of all parties to secure an agreement that provides the basis for the fullest possible market access. The timescale will partly be determined by the discussions held prior to Brexit.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by David Lammy on 2016-07-19.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what plans his Department has to hire third party contractors to support its work on trade negotiations; what the duration of such contracts will be; and what estimate his Department has made of the cost to the public purse of such contractors over the lifetime of those contracts.
Greg Hands
The Rt hon Member will be aware that my Rt hon Friend the Prime Minister has created a new Department for International Trade, which is responsible for promoting British trade across the world and ensuring the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us. We are building up our trade policy capability. The new Department has begun a process to recruit and train staff to work on the UK’s trade policy. We will adapt the resource devoted to trade policy in line with future demands.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by David Lammy on 2016-07-19.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what estimate his Department has made of the number of trade negotiators required to negotiate the UK’s trade deals when the UK leaves the EU.
Greg Hands
The Rt hon Member will be aware that my Rt hon Friend the Prime Minister has created a new Department for International Trade, which is responsible for promoting British trade across the world and ensuring the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us. We are building up our trade policy capability. The new Department has begun a process to recruit and train staff to work on the UK’s trade policy. We will adapt the resource devoted to trade policy in line with future demands.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Cunningham on 2016-07-19.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what estimate he has made of the time that will be required for the UK to reach a trade deal with the EU; and if he will make a statement.
Mark Garnier
It is in the interests of all parties to secure an agreement that provides the basis for the fullest possible market access. The timescale will partly be determined by the discussions held prior to Brexit.