Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of a dedicated MP helpline to submit inquiries on exports and customs processes overseen by the Animal Plant Health Agency; and if he will make a statement.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) provides a range of support on Export Health Certification and Phytosanitary Certification including a helpline and GOV.UK content for interested stakeholders. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) provides a similar service for customs related queries.

A step-by-step guide for exporting from the UK can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/export-goods. For matters overseen by APHA, members of the public can contact exports@apha.gov.uk or 03000 200 301. There is a dedicated line for the Movement Assistance Scheme for all exports of live animals, products of animal origin, plants and plant products (agrifood goods) from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, which is 0330 0416 580.

Defra has a dedicated process for MPs to raise queries and APHA follows this system.