Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has had discussions with the Government in Northern Ireland on the transportation of perishable food produced in Northern Ireland abroad after the UK leaves the EU; and if he will make a statement.

My Department has discussed this issue with officials in the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Government officials and I am aware of the short time margins that perishable food is transported under.

We are committed to securing an agreement that works for the entire United Kingdom - for Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and all parts of England. An agreement that works for the unique circumstances of the Island of Ireland is at the very heart of the Government’s negotiating position.

As the hon. Member will be aware the key market for the Northern Ireland food and drinks processing sector is Great Britain which accounts for 50% of total sales. Ireland is the second largest market representing almost 15% of total sales. Other EU sales represents a little below 8% of total sales for the sector.

In the event of delays caused by increased checks at EU ports, the UK Government will implement contingency arrangements to manage the flow of traffic across the UK.