Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Food Strategy

Thursday 23 June 2022 · 5 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister had extensive discussions with Cabinet colleagues on implementing the Government food strategy published in June 2022.
  • The Minister believes the new point-of-sale restrictions address issues in Henry Dimbleby's report and opposes advertising bans due to rising food prices.
  • No additional information was provided to the House of Commons Library on indigenous fertiliser production.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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.

Question

What discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on implementing the Government food strategy published in June 2022?

Answer from George Eustice

The process of securing collective agreement meant that this issue was discussed exhaustively with Cabinet colleagues and other Departments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on implementation steps or timelines for the food strategy recommendations.

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

William Hague criticised the Government for not implementing the recommendations from Henry Dimbleby's national food strategy.

Question

Was William Hague correct in describing the government's response to Henry Dimbleby's report as 'intellectually shallow, politically weak and morally reprehensible'?

Answer from George Eustice

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the intellectual or moral aspects of their response to the strategy, focusing instead on specific actions taken.

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Q3 Daniel Kawczynski Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Concerns about the rising costs of fertilisers and potential closures of fertiliser plants in the UK.

Question

Will the Government put additional information into the House of Commons Library on indigenous fertiliser production to help farmers understand this important issue?

Answer from George Eustice

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to putting further information in the Commons Library as requested by the MP.

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Q4 Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Business & Trade
Context

Concerns about the future of the CF Fertilisers plant in Ellesmere Port, including its potential sale as a going concern.

Question

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?

Answer from George Eustice

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.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q5 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Ukraine Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Concerns about the UK's self-sufficiency in wheat production and the impact of planning decisions regarding agricultural land use.

Question

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?

Answer from George Eustice

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly commit to consulting colleagues specifically for the solar farm application mentioned, instead referring broadly to existing policies and ongoing discussions.

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