The Question is that this bill be read a second time. As many as are of that opinion say Content, and of the contrary Not content.

Division! Clear the bar.

A BILL TO facilitate the creation of an independent UK trade policy outside of the European Union, to promote the increased export of British goods and services, to exempt international trade agreements from certain ratification procedures, and for other purposes

BE IT ENACTED by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Section 1: Definitions

1. An “international trade agreement” is a free trade agreement or any international agreement that relates mainly to trade policy.

2. The “Secretary of State” is the cabinet minister primarily responsible for trade policy.

Section 2: Office of Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioners

1. There is created within the Department of Business, Industry, and Trade an “Office of Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioners,” to consist of not less than nine Trade Commissioners appointed by the Secretary of State.

2. Each Trade Commissioner shall be responsible for:

   (a) Promoting British exports in an assigned region.

   (b) Creating and strengthening commercial relationships in that region.

   (c) Attracting foreign direct investment from that region.

   (d) Overseeing any regional offices, branches, or other bodies established to formulate and/or execute regional trade policy.

   (e) Completing any other lawful task assigned by the Secretary of State for the promotion of British economic and strategic interests.

Section 3: Trade Agreement Implementation

1. The Secretary of State may by statutory instrument make such provisions as the Secretary of State deems necessary to implement or facilitate the implementation of an international trade agreement to which the United Kingdom is a party, subject to the following conditions and specifications:

   (a) Regulations promulgated under Section 5(a) may amend EU primary law retained after exit day.

   (b) Any regulation promulgated under Section 5(a) may be annulled by a resolution of the House of Commons, provided that resolution is passed not longer than thirty days after the regulation takes full effect.

2. The authority granted under Section 5(a) shall expire ten years from the day this bill comes into effect.

3. International trade agreements shall not be subject to any provisions of B.147 (the “Treaty Ratification Act”).

Section 4: Trade Practices Authority

1. There is created a body corporate entitled the Trade Practices Authority (“TPA”), to consist of:

   (a) Five Directors, including a Chair, appointed by the Secretary of State, subject to confirmation by the International Trade Committee of the House of Commons and entitled to hold office for a term of not longer than six years.

   (b) Such additional and support staffing as deemed necessary by the Chair, in consultation with the Secretary of State.

2. The TPA shall:

   (a) Assess and, if warranted, fully investigate allegations of unfair foreign trading practices referred by British citizens, businesses, and governmental and regulatory authorities.

   (b) Recommend remedial state actions and import duties to counter specific proven instances of unfair foreign trading practices.

   (c) Prepare and submit to Parliament an annual report on the nature, effects, and future trends of British trade policy and the economic conduct of significant British trading partners.

3. The Secretary of State may implement any TPA recommendation issued under Section 6(b)(ii) through the employment of statutory implements.

4. The Secretary of State may disregard TPA recommendations issued under Section 6(b)(ii) if the Secretary judges their implementation likely to harm wider British economic interests.

Section 5: Extent, Commencement, and Short Title

1. This act extends to the entire United Kingdom.

2. This act commences immediately upon receiving Royal Assent.

3. This act may be cited as the “Trade Act 2018.”

This Bill was written and submitted by the Secretary of State for Business, Industry, and Trade /u/ Ncontas, on behalf of the 17th Government.

This division ends on the 8th July.