The Economy

Answer from Brandon Lewis (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)

While the Northern Ireland economy does have its challenges, I am confident that it has a promising economic future, with its talent, great companies, entrepreneurial spirit and world-leading sectors and universities, as well as world-class hospitality, leisure and cultural offerings. We will continue to work with businesses, the Northern Ireland Executive and local partners to ensure that we not only get the economy back up and running but are laying the foundations for a sustainable, growing and stable economic future.

Answer from Brandon Lewis (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)

I have not tested all the venues in Northern Ireland that were taking part in the eat out to help out scheme, but I did my bit to support the sector, as I am sure many colleagues around the House did. Comprehensive figures are not yet available, but I do know that over 1,500 restaurants in Northern Ireland signed up to the scheme in the first week of operation, highlighting just how important the scheme has been to give people confidence to go out and businesses a chance to see their customers again.

Answer from Brandon Lewis (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question. We recognise the unique position of authorised traders, such as supermarkets, with stable supply chains and comprehensive oversight of warehousing and distribution operations, moving pre-packaged products for retail sales solely in Northern Ireland. We continue to look at specific solutions for the trade, working with the trade. EHCs and accompanying notes for guidance will be made available from 1 November on the EHC form finder, to allow exporters and certifying officers to familiarise themselves with the requirements.

Answer from Brandon Lewis (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)

I can confirm that we are very keen to give as much guidance and information to businesses as early as possible. We are committed, as I said, to providing Northern Ireland's businesses with unfettered access to the rest of the UK market. It means no import customs declarations as goods enter the rest of the UK from Northern Ireland, no safety or security declarations as goods enter the rest of the UK from Northern Ireland, no tariffs to be applied to Northern Ireland goods entering the rest of the United Kingdom in any circumstances, no customs checks, no new regulatory checks and no additional approvals required for placing goods on the market in the rest of the United Kingdom. For further reassurance, I can tell the right hon. Gentleman that we will introduce legislation for unfettered access shortly.

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The £155 million IT systems and £200 million Treasury support scheme are tailored to Northern Ireland's unique situation, different from that of Scotland. The Government aims to ensure Northern Ireland can trade prosperously within the UK, a benefit for all.

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The Minister is willing to review the issue. The Home Office previously corrected similar issues and will be contacted to address this matter.