Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the need to support farmers who are facing various challenges in Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross.
What steps he is taking to support rural farmers. Specifically, what actions or funding is available to help them address environmental protection while continuing to produce food?
Food security is more important than ever, which is why we need to back British farmers to keep putting food on our tables, while protecting the environment. We are supporting farming with £2.4 billion of annual spending, an average boost of 10% for the sustainable farming incentive payment scheme, and new rules to ensure that farmers get a fair price for their products.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Farmers in Lincolnshire are suffering from flooding, and there is a need to provide them with support.
Obviously farmers in low-lying areas of Lincolnshire are suffering from flooding, so any update on the support that they can be given would be very helpful. Specifically, will the Government update us on when they will announce the long-term funding solution that they promised for internal drainage boards to address pressure on local authorities through special levies?
My right hon. Friend is right to focus on the importance of drainage boards, particularly in Lincolnshire. We have announced £65 million of funding and the Minister for water will make further announcements shortly. There has been a 60% increase in rainfall and we are looking at a series of easements with regard to SFI to ensure that farmers get their payments.
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Assessment & feedback
The exact timeline or specifics on when the long-term funding solution will be announced.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The quality of seed potatoes grown in the far north of Scotland is highly regarded, and there are export opportunities for these products.
On behalf of my party, I wish Phil, the Head Doorkeeper, a very happy birthday. As the Government know, we grow the finest seed potatoes in the far north of Scotland which farmers in Europe want to buy. I ask the Government to do everything in their power to ensure that these potatoes go where they are needed and wanted.
The hon. Member makes a valid point in terms of both the quality and the desirability of the products he refers to. The Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries is engaging actively with the EU on that specific point and will update the hon. Member on it.
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Assessment & feedback
No specifics provided on actions being taken to support potato export or timeline for updates.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Eastern England is facing a potential worst harvest in living memory, which could affect straw availability and potato supply.
One has only to look over the hedges of eastern England to agree with those who are predicting the worst harvest in living memory. What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the impact that will have on the wider rural economy? Specifically, what is being done about straw prices and potato supply?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely on the money in terms of concern regarding straw prices and lower harvests this autumn. We are engaging extensively with the sector. The Prime Minister will chair the Farm to Fork summit next week, indicating how seriously we take this.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific assessment provided on the impact of low harvests or concrete actions taken.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
North-east England is facing challenges to produce sustainable and affordable food due to the cost of living crisis.
It is north-east week in parliamentary canteens. However, it is always north-east week in Grainger Market which champions local farmers and produce. What is the Secretary of State doing to support north-east farmers in the challenges they face?
Our colleague, my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Will Quince), is conducting a review of public sector food procurement so that within our public sector we can better procure domestic produce. We also have a review of labelling to ensure purchasers can buy north-east produce more easily.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific action or commitment related directly to supporting farmers in the north-east was provided.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
A survey by the National Farmers Union revealed that a staggering 65% of farmers are facing declining profits or business survival issues.
What are the Government doing to support farmers? The NFU survey shows that 65% of farmers face declining profits. Why do farmers fare worse under the Conservatives?
The hon. Gentleman seems to have written that question before listening, but let me give him one example: The most successful scheme DFRA has ever run is the current sustainable farming incentive scheme, with over 20,000 applications—more than any other scheme DFRA has run.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific actions or funding mentioned to support farmers facing declining profits.
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The SNP Government have guaranteed funding for Scottish farmers, unlike the current UK government.
Brexit has been deeply damaging to farmers across the UK. The actions taken by the Scottish Government mean that farmers in Scotland have far greater protection than those elsewhere on these islands. Will the Secretary of State take this opportunity to apologise to farmers in England for his Government's betrayal?
I refer the hon. Gentleman to the £2.4 billion commitment in our manifesto, which has been met in full.
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Assessment & feedback
The question was about apologising and comparing protection levels for farmers; no apology or comparative analysis provided.
Response accuracy