AQW 10118/22-27

Mr Jim Allister KC
Traditional Unionist Voice
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 15/04/2024
Answered On Date: 25/04/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail any instructions that have been issued by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to his Department under the Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024.

Answer:

The Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024 provide for functions of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs that relate to observing or implementing a relevant provision of the Windsor Framework to be exercised subject to the direction and control of the Secretary of State.

While the Secretary of State has confirmed the areas where he has decided to exercise discretion not to exercise direction and control, I understand that the Department has not to date received any specific instructions on how, for the remaining areas, the Secretary of State wishes officials to take forward their statutory obligations.

I raised the Member’s request that members are informed when directions are issued under the Windsor Framework (Implementation) Regulations 2024 when meeting Minister of State Rt. Hon. Steve Baker MP on Tuesday 23 April 2024.