Question reference: S6W-04589
- Asked by: Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 25 November 2021
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 3 December 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what representations it can make to the UK Government in response to reports that some businesses in Scotland are facing difficulties supplying smoked salmon direct to customers in the EU via mail order, with shipments, sometimes with accompanying health certificates, being delayed or rejected by customs officials, in light of reported assurances by the UK Government that such certificates should not be required for shipments of up to 20kg.
Answer
The Scottish Government has a number of ways to engage with UK Government on trade matters and has championed the interests of Scottish seafood exporters throughout the EU exit and trade negotiations process. That work continues through the Scottish Seafood Industry Action Group.
The issue of delayed or rejected smoked salmon consignments has not been raised with the Scottish Government directly. I wrote to the member on 2 December 2021 to seek further information and to put the affected business(es) in touch with my officials directly.