Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Food Prices

Thursday 10 March 2022 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Food price inflation in the UK rose to 4.4% in January.
  • The Government has implemented measures to help households cope with rising energy costs.
  • A dedicated group within DEFRA is planning for potential impacts from the situation in Ukraine.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Economy
Context

Food prices are rising, affecting household finances.

Question

What recent assessment has the Department made of the impact of food price rises on household budgets? Food price inflation is at 4.4% in January and events in Ukraine have an effect on energy costs impacting further.

Answer from George Eustice

International commodity prices are heavily influenced by factors such as energy costs and exchange rates. Recent pressures have been sustained and we have seen food price inflation rise to 4.4% in January, up from 4.2% in December. Events in Ukraine and the effect of that on energy prices are likely to have further impacts.

Answered
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Q2 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Food banks are reporting increased usage due to rising costs, leading to higher levels of poverty.

Question

The cost of living is increasing, with food prices rising by 3.9% year on year. Food banks in Jarrow and Gateshead East are as busy as ever, indicating a rise in poverty. Does the Minister agree that it's time for the Chancellor to commit to ending food poverty through measures outlined in the 'Right to Food' campaign?

Answer from George Eustice

The Government have put in place a number of measures to help households, particularly with the sharp increase in energy costs. We also have schemes such as the holiday activity programme and provided local authorities additional support for those struggling to afford food.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Measures to address food poverty via 'Right to Food' campaign not committed to explicitly

How: Working With Partners

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Q3 Neil Parish Con
Ukraine Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Ukraine's conflict is impacting global food prices, especially for wheat.

Question

With Ukraine's halted exports affecting grain supplies, what steps will the Secretary of State take to protect grain supplies in the UK? Also, how will he engage with retailers on cost-sharing and growing more domestic grain?

Answer from George Eustice

We have a dedicated group within DEFRA since January planning for potential impacts from Ukraine, and we are largely self-sufficient in wheat imports. We will look at the costs of inputs for livestock sectors.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on talks with retailers and cost-sharing not provided

How: Under Review

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Q4 Ben Lake PC Ceredigion Preseli
Economy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Fertiliser prices have risen significantly, impacting farmers' expenses and potentially food security.

Question

With fertiliser prices spiking due to gas costs, what steps can the Government take to address this crisis and ensure food security is not undermined?

Answer from George Eustice

Fertiliser prices are dependent on gas costs; we have been working closely with a UK producer to maintain production, but a special group is being set up with industry to address long-term solutions relying less on gas prices.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not provided beyond setting up a special group

How: Under Consideration

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Q5 Caroline Johnson Con Sleaford and North Hykeham
Energy
Context

Households not on the gas grid face increased heating costs with no protection from energy caps.

Question

Price rises are impacting household budgets, especially those off the gas grid. What actions is the Government taking to protect such constituents?

Answer from George Eustice

I have had conversations with BEIS about disruptions affecting household heating oil supplies; the Business Secretary's Department is working closely on these issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not provided beyond noting ongoing work

How: Under Review

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Q6 Deidre Brock SNP
Brexit Foreign Affairs Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Russia's invasion of Ukraine threatens global food supplies, affecting grain production and prices.

Question

How is the Department ensuring food security in the UK and stabilising food prices? What plans are there to assist developing countries meet their needs?

Answer from George Eustice

Tomorrow, I will attend a G7 session discussing issues impacting global commodity prices. We must impose sanctions despite potential market disruptions to address Russia's regime.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific domestic actions and international plans not detailed beyond attending a meeting

How: Under Consideration

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