Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Food Costs

Thursday 23 February 2023 · 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 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions with Cabinet colleagues focus on monitoring food price trends and addressing farmer challenges.
  • Global factors like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and market dynamics from Morocco and Spain contribute to food price rises.
  • The Government provides grants to assist businesses in becoming sustainable but offers no specific details on the NFU's request.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gavin Newlands SNP
Economy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The UK is experiencing record high supermarket price inflation, with consumers paying £800 more annually on shopping bills. This increase is attributed to Brexit and rising agricultural costs.

Question

What recent discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues regarding the rising cost of food? The situation includes farmers bearing significant burdens due to energy-intensive production, yet not receiving similar support as less intensive sectors. Has he met the Chancellor to discuss better support for domestic farming?

Answer from Mark Spencer

The Department works closely with other Departments and industry to monitor price trends. The hon. Gentleman blames Brexit but global factors like Russia's invasion of Ukraine, affecting cereals supply and causing gas prices rise, also contribute. Farmers face challenges which the Government tries to help through grants.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about meeting with the Chancellor for better support was not directly addressed.

How: Blaming Global Factors

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Q2 Gavin Newlands SNP
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The National Farmers Union has called for measures to protect domestic food production in the face of economic pressures.

Question

What assessment has the Minister made of the NFU's request to safeguard UK agricultural output? The questioner, a shareholder in a food company, is interested in understanding how this call will be addressed by the government.

Answer from Mark Spencer

We have engaged with farmers at the NFU conference, recognising pressures on domestic producers. The Government provides grants to assist businesses in becoming sustainable. However, no specific details about the assessment or action plan are provided.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about assessing and responding to NFU's proposal was not directly addressed.

How: General Acknowledgment

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Q3 Andrew Bridgen Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

Farmers met in Birmingham to discuss the challenges they face with food production. The meeting highlighted concerns about the Environment Secretary's handling of these issues.

Question

Will the Environment Secretary use this opportunity to apologise for perceived shortcomings at the office? Everyone has a bad day, but there is a responsibility to reflect and address it properly.

Answer from Mark Spencer

The Secretary of State cannot answer this question due to parliamentary procedure, but I am here to provide the response within the rules set out by the House. No apology or reflection on specific actions is provided.

Not addressed: The specific ask about an apology was completely avoided.

How: Parliamentary Procedure

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Q4 Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Economy Energy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Food security is a critical issue in the UK with pressures affecting supply chains and production.

Question

Has the Government convened a cross-departmental group to address food security concerns, including financial support for farmers, energy-intensive producers, and addressing labour shortages? The MP notes an upcoming urgent question on this topic.

Answer from Mark Spencer

There are Cabinet Office committees tackling these challenges, regular meetings with retailers, and roundtables convened with supermarkets. The situation involves market dynamics and disruptions from Morocco and Spain.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about cross-government committee formation was not fully addressed.

How: General Statements

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Q5 Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Economy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Food prices are rising significantly, with the consumer price index up by 9.2% year-on-year, and food inflation reaching a 1970s high of 16.9%. Essential commodities like butter, milk, pasta, eggs, and cooking oil have become unaffordable.

Question

What plans will be put in place to ensure affordable food supplies are maintained and what steps will reduce food inflation? The MP highlights the imminent prospect of rationing due to ongoing price pressures.

Answer from Mark Spencer

The Chancellor has implemented a package supporting families with energy and food cost rises, including cash for local authorities. The emphasis is on market supply rather than specific policy interventions to reduce inflation or ensure affordability.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for ensuring affordable supplies and reducing food inflation were not detailed.

How: Market Dynamics

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Q6 Patricia Gibson SNP
Economy Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

High supermarket prices have led to significant financial burdens for consumers, exacerbated by post-Brexit conditions and rising agricultural costs.

Question

What recent discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on the increasing cost of food? The MP mentions farmers facing severe economic pressures, yet lacking sufficient support compared to less energy-intensive industries. He asks if the Minister has met the Chancellor regarding better support for domestic farming?

Answer from Mark Spencer

Discussions occur regularly between Departments and industry to monitor price trends. The hon. Gentleman suggests blaming Brexit, but global factors such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict also play a role in rising prices. Farmers receive support through grants for sustainability.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about discussions with the Chancellor and detailed actions is not fully addressed.

How: Global Factors

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