Oral QuestionNorthern Ireland Office

If his Department will provide the evidential basis that a free trade deal similar to the one that Canada negotiated with the EU will maintain the border on the island of Ireland under its current terms after the UK leaves the EU.

Tabled: 12 December 2017Answered: 20 December 2017

Asked by

Kerry McCarthy

LabourBristol East

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Answer from Hansard

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)

I welcome the exciting Eden Portland proposals and I enjoyed meeting my hon. Friend to hear further from him. It is clear that it would be great for the area’s economic regeneration, for tourism in the region and for supporting greater understanding of biodiversity loss. Colleagues at DCMS are working closely with the proposers and with officials in my Department, but I would be happy to involve myself in whatever way is useful.