Trade Policies Cost of Food 2023-09-14
2023-09-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns over the impact of recent trade policies, specifically a £43 inspection fee per consignment from the EU. The issue is affecting food retailers and restaurants in Glasgow North.
What recent assessment has been made of the impact of trade policies on food costs? Will the Government's plans for a £43 inspection fee on each consignment of food imported from the European Union represent barrier-free trade? When or whether will small food retailers, restaurants and their customers in Glasgow North have to pay this Brexit tax and face higher prices?
Food prices are driven by many pressures, including the global economic climate. Our programme of free trade agreements is securing access to global supply chains, removing barriers and lowering costs for traders. By delivering trade deals and working with international partners, we are ensuring that British consumers have access to good-quality and good-value food.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific £43 inspection fee was not addressed in detail
Did Not Specify Which Issue
Fundamentally Sits At The Doorstep Of Other Departments
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asks about a £43 inspection fee on each consignment of food imported from the European Union. This is causing concern among small retailers and restaurants in Glasgow North.
Will the Minister explain how the Government's plans for a £43 inspection fee on each consignment of food imported from the European Union represent barrier-free trade? Can she tell small food retailers, restaurants and their customers in Glasgow North when or whether they will have to pay this Brexit tax and face higher prices?
I know the hon. Member wants to put all these anxieties on Brexit and forget about all the opportunities we are securing with trade agreements around the world. The issue he raises fundamentally sits at the doorstep of the Cabinet Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and we are working very closely with them to resolve it.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific inspection fee was not addressed, responsibility is shifted to other departments
Fundamentally Sits At The Doorstep Of Other Departments
Working Closely To Resolve
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP discusses uncertainty regarding border checks for imported food from the EU, highlighting delays and lack of clarity over SPS controls. Businesses are concerned about these changes.
Given that Ministers were saying as recently as April that those checks will begin on 31 March, can the Minister explain how businesses are expected to get to grips with all this turmoil in Government policy given their tendency to keep kicking the can down the road over border checks?
Food inflation is a global issue: it is not a problem just here in the UK. Many factors influence food prices globally, notably energy costs. Global wholesale food prices have been falling since March and sometimes that can take time to reach consumers. In July, UK food inflation was just over 14%, down from 17%. The hon. Gentleman did not specify which issue he was touching on, but if it was to do with sanitary and phytosanitary controls for goods from the EU, that will be introduced and in place by 31 January 2024.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timeline of checks was not clearly addressed
Did Not Specify Which Issue
Will Be Introduced And In Place
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticises the lack of SPS checks on food coming from the EU, questioning the Government's claim to 'taking back control'. This is causing concerns about food safety and security.
We are no longer imposing SPS checks on food coming in from the EU. Is the Minister proud that, under the guise of taking back control, she is part of a Government who have given away control instead?
I referenced in my previous response the SPS controls; they were not in place when we were in the EU so I am not sure exactly what the hon. Gentleman's anxiety is.
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Assessment & feedback
The lack of SPS controls was not addressed directly, instead referring to past status
Referring To Previous Response
Were Not In Place When We Were In The Eu
Response accuracy