Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Food Prices

Thursday 14 July 2022 · 7 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • My Department has been working closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to assess the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and other pressures on food prices.
  • Critical areas include providing fertiliser assistance through a taskforce stabilising the market and optimising its use by farmers.
  • We are working closely with the Scottish Government. In England, a basic payment has been introduced for cash flow support.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Economy Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused significant pressure on food prices, affecting various sectors including farming.

Question

What steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to mitigate the impact of increasing food prices due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and other pressures?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

My Department has been working closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to assess the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and other pressures on food prices.

Partly answered
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Q2 Selaine Saxby
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farmers are facing significant cost increases, affecting their ability to maintain profitability while ensuring stable food prices.

Question

Given the huge increase in costs that farmers are enduring, how is the government balancing the need to mitigate food price increases with ensuring that farmers receive fair payment for their products?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

My hon. Friend highlights a challenging part of the global cost of living crisis. Critical areas include providing fertiliser assistance through a taskforce stabilising the market and optimising its use by farmers. Fertiliser is a key driver of food prices.

Partly answered
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Q3 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Scotland Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

A local farmer has reported significant increases in costs for feed, fertiliser, and essential products, impacting food prices.

Question

I visited a farm last week where costs have skyrocketed. What additional support is available from the Government to help our farmers and sustain this crucial industry?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

We are working closely with the Scottish Government. In England, a basic payment has been introduced for cash flow support. Additionally, efforts include promoting traditional fertiliser use such as animal slurry and supporting farmers' storage capabilities.

Partly answered
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Q4 Alison Thewliss SNP
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Infant formula prices have surged, leading to security tagging and theft by desperate families.

Question

What measures are in place to ensure that infant formula is accessible to those who need it amid rising costs?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

We monitor vital products closely and have introduced £37 billion in support for households on means-tested benefits, with further instalments planned.

Partly answered
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Q5 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Fresh fruit and vegetable prices are rising, partly due to labour shortages in the UK.

Question

How will the Government address labour shortages for picking crops and improve supply chain efficiency for imported fresh produce?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

We are in constant discussion with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on labour provision for harvesting. We aim to maintain efficient supply chains for imported fresh food.

Partly answered
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Q6 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

One in six UK households is experiencing serious financial hardship, often resulting from price increases and reduced quality of food.

Question

What steps does the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster plan to take to address rising prices driving inequality and poverty?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

We are part of a global food supply chain facing price pressures. £37 billion has been allocated for cost-of-living assistance, including payments and energy bill discounts.

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Q7 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Economy Scotland Children & Families
Context

The Scottish child payment has reduced child poverty in Scotland, but Kirsten Oswald is concerned that the UK government's focus on tax cuts for the wealthy may neglect those hit hardest by cost of living issues.

Question

I am afraid that in terms of people's real experience in their day-to-day life, it is not enough. Families across the UK know that the Tory Government here are not doing enough with the powers that they have. Scotland has the lowest child poverty in the UK due to policies such as the Scottish child payment. Here, we have Tory leadership candidates promising major tax cuts which indicate a belief in financial headroom.

Answer from Kit Malthouse

I have learned over my years in government that one of the key factors is balance. While assisting those who are struggling most should be a priority, we also need to balance this against economic health and our ability to provide assistance. In Scotland, there is a focus on one aspect at the neglect of the other. Many people driving wealth creation rue the day the SNP took office as Scotland has performed worse economically than other parts of the UK over the past 10 years.

Not addressed: Benefits of policies such as child payment and priority given to those hit hardest by cost of living crisis

How: Attacks On Scottish Government'S Economic Performance

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