Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions has he had with operators of key freight ports on (a) staffing levels and (b) the subsequent impact on the movement of goods; and if he will make a statement.

The Department is in regular contact with key port operators at Ministerial and official level. Most recently this has been concerned with the wider global international shipping issues arising from increased disruption and demand, as well as the domestic supply chain matters. That engagement has not indicated port staffing to be a factor in those delays.