PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Biofuels: Import Duties (25 February 2019)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect on the UK bioethanol industry of the introduction of a zero tariff regime for imported ethanol in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal; and what representations he has received from that industry on a zero tariff regime.

Asked by:
Anna Turley (Labour)

The Government continues to work towards a Withdrawal Agreement with the EU. If the UK leaves without a deal in place, an independent tariff regime will be set striking a balance between protecting consumers and businesses from possible price rises and avoiding the exposure of sensitive industries to competition. The Government has considered carefully the evidence available in developing a future tariff regime. Once a final decision has been taken, we will bring forward legislation to the House and communicate this in an appropriate way for a market sensitive announcement.

The Department is in regular contact with representatives from the UK bioethanol industry on a range of topics, including on the implications of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

Answered by:
Lord Grayling (Conservative)
28 February 2019