Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the oral contribution of 9 April 2019, Official Report, column 159, what assessment he has made of the effect of the extension to Article 50 has had on levels of stockpiling; and what support his Department provides to help businesses that are stockpiling.

The Prime Minister has agreed to an extension to Article 50 until 31 October 2019 at the latest. This eliminates the risk of a near-term economic disruption as a result of leaving the EU without a deal before that date. The Government’s priority is to leave the EU with a deal as soon as possible, providing certainty for businesses and delivering a Brexit that best supports the economy and jobs. The Government has published extensive advice on the steps that businesses may need to take to prepare for our exit from the EU. The public information campaign pages on Gov.uk provide all up to date material on the considerations of EU exit for businesses, and the practical steps that they will need to take in preparation.