Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows the publication of a national food strategy and criticism from former Conservative leader William Hague about the government's response to it.
What discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on implementing the Government food strategy published in June 2022?
The process of securing collective agreement meant that this issue was discussed exhaustively with Cabinet colleagues and other Departments.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on implementation steps or timelines for the food strategy recommendations.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
William Hague criticised the Government for not implementing the recommendations from Henry Dimbleby's national food strategy.
Was William Hague correct in describing the government's response to Henry Dimbleby's report as 'intellectually shallow, politically weak and morally reprehensible'?
We have implemented new point-of-sale restrictions that are driving reformulation. The Minister believes this addresses issues highlighted in Henry Dimbleby's report and does not support advertising bans given rising food prices.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the intellectual or moral aspects of their response to the strategy, focusing instead on specific actions taken.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the rising costs of fertilisers and potential closures of fertiliser plants in the UK.
Will the Government put additional information into the House of Commons Library on indigenous fertiliser production to help farmers understand this important issue?
CF Fertilisers maintains full order books until later this year, indicating ongoing production despite consolidating UK operations into one plant. No additional information was provided to the House of Commons Library.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to putting further information in the Commons Library as requested by the MP.
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns about the future of the CF Fertilisers plant in Ellesmere Port, including its potential sale as a going concern.
Does the Secretary of State agree that despite challenges faced by the industry and profit increases for parent companies, there is no reason why the Ince plant cannot be sold as a viable business?
Agrees that selling the Ince plant as a going concern would be the best commercial exit for CF Fertilisers, which maintains full order books until later this year.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the UK's self-sufficiency in wheat production and the impact of planning decisions regarding agricultural land use.
Given rising wheat prices due to Ukraine's situation, does the Secretary of State agree that we should maximise food production on our farmland? Specifically, will he consult colleagues to ensure this when considering a solar farm application?
There should be a presumption against field-scale solar on grade 3b agricultural land and above. Concerns about this guidance not being followed are discussed across Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly commit to consulting colleagues specifically for the solar farm application mentioned, instead referring broadly to existing policies and ongoing discussions.
Response accuracy