Asked by: Alan Brown (Scottish National Party - Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent discussions he has had with (a) port operators, (b) HMRC and (c) transport operators on methods to speed up offloading processes for imported goods; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Michael Ellis
Ports around the world are experiencing similar issues with container capacity and supply chains, so this is not unique to the UK.
We are working closely across government, and with the freight industry, including on HGV driver shortages, to work through the challenges some of our ports are facing at this important time of the year.
We are also in regular contact with key port and shipping operators, at Ministerial and official level, in relation to the wider global international shipping issues arising from increased disruption, demand, and supply chain matters that may be causing some delays to goods.
Asked by: Alan Brown (Scottish National Party - Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the quantity of goods held offshore as a result of delays in checking and approval processes for imported goods at ferry ports as at 18 October 2021; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Michael Ellis
There are currently no delays in Government checking and approval processes for goods being imported into the UK. Any delays in bringing goods into the UK are being caused by broader global supply chain issues.
Asked by: Alan Brown (Scottish National Party - Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress the Government has made on the public inquiry into the Government's response to the covid-19 pandemic, announced on 21 May 2021; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Penny Mordaunt - Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed that a public inquiry into COVID-19 would be established on a statutory basis, with full formal powers, and that it will begin its work in spring 2022.
Further details will be set out in due course.