Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to respond to Question 12881 on Food: Imports tabled by the Rt hon. Member for New Forest East; and if he will include in that Answer (a) the reasons for which sealed refrigerated food vehicles entering the UK via the Port of Dover and intended for embarkation on cruise ships from the Port of Southampton are required to undergo biosecurity checks at an inland border security facility in Sevington, Kent and (b) and whether a biosecurity risk would manifest itself between the port of arrival and the border security facility.  [14770]

[Due for Answer on 23 February. Answered on 12 March.]

ANSWER

The Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries (Mark Spencer): The Answer to Question 12881 was published on 7 March 2024 and I trust it addresses the concerns raised by the Rt Hon Member. I apologise for the delay in responding.