Asked by: Jamie Stone (Liberal Democrat - Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
What discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on support for the farming industry in rural areas in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Fleur Anderson
I very recently met with the Executive Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Minister Muir, and discussed support for the farming industry. We also visited a farm near Newry and talked directly with farmers and I have met with the Ulster Farmers Union twice in the last two weeks. We are committing to supporting local farmers and the important rural economy.
Asked by: Jamie Stone (Liberal Democrat - Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to help improve transport links between Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Connectivity is essential for economic growth which is why the Chancellor committed £5m in the Budget to explore improvements to the A75, which is the key route for road transport, using the ferry between Cairnryan and Belfast and Larne. We look forward to continuing work with the Scottish Government on this project, and welcome the recent addition of flights between Edinburgh and Liverpool and Derry City Airport.