Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to respond to correspondence and repeat correspondence sent to Lord Frost on matters raised by businesses in the East Worthing and Shoreham constituency related to trade with EU countries sent on 28 January 2021, 5 February 2021, 9 February 2021, 11 February 2021, 25 March 2021 and 31 March 2021.

I apologise for the delay in responding to the important points my Hon. friend has raised on behalf of his constituents. We recognise the great importance of the effective and timely handling of correspondence.

The letter received on 5 February 2021 has been passed to the Department for International trade, as the Department best placed to provide a helpful response.

Lord Frost has now responded to the letter dated 25 March, and Lord Agnew has responded to letters dated 22 January, 26 January, 9 February and 11 February.

Lord Agnew will be responding to the remaining letters, dated 22 January and 31 March. I would like to reassure my Hon. friend that responses are in progress and will be issued as soon as possible.