Third Report - Implications of the UK-Australia FTA for Wales

The government confirms it has committed to and delivered on sharing draft FTA treaty text and an embargoed copy of the final text and economic impact assessment with the devolved administrations prior to signature.

The government states that DIT already publishes scoping and impact assessments that analyze potential impacts on the nations and regions of the UK, without committing to the requested Wales-specific impact assessment with more detail on short-term and sectoral impacts.

The government clarifies the specific volume thresholds and safeguard duties for beef and sheep meat that would trigger agricultural safeguards in years 11-15 after the agreement comes into force. However, it does not explain how it intends to work with the Welsh Government on a coherent trade strategy.

The government response discusses DIT's extensive engagement with Devolved Administrations on international trade policy, but does not address the recommendation to respond to the report of the first Trade and Agriculture Commission.

The government states it is still considering the extensive recommendations from the Trade and Agriculture Commission and will publish its response when ready, without committing to a specific timeline for setting up the statutory body or publishing its reports alongside future FTA texts.

The government states that the TAC’s independent advice will be published to inform parliamentary scrutiny of FTAs under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act (CRaG), and points to additional enhanced scrutiny arrangements already in place.

The government response discusses the Trade and Agriculture Commission's (TAC) role and advisory process as defined by relevant legislation, but does not address the recommendation regarding the inclusion of a member with direct experience of the agricultural and regulatory landscape of Wales.

The government's response is completely unrelated to the recommendation, discussing a 'Commission' and the 'regulatory landscape of the UK' instead of increasing Agriculture and Food Counsellors.

The government response details DIT's initiatives to promote British and Northern Irish agriculture, food, and drink exports, but does not address the committee's welcoming conclusion about new mobility arrangements with Australia.

The government outlines its existing extensive engagement structures with the Devolved Administrations on trade agreements, but does not commit to specific actions for working directly with the agri-food sector to provide skills and support.

The government's response discusses DIT's engagement structures and collaboration with Devolved Administrations on international trade policy, but does not directly address the committee's welcome of a specific parliamentary scrutiny commitment.