Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Food Supply Chains

Wednesday 29 November 2023 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government is pursuing contractual reform in the dairy and pork sectors and conducting a new review of the egg sector.
  • Financial assistance for uninsurable losses due to flooding can be provided through the farming recovery fund.
  • The Government is committed to reducing inflation and has put measures in place to support households with energy prices.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Ukraine Scotland Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The situation of food supply chains in Scotland has become increasingly challenging due to various pressures, including flooding.

Question

What discussions has the Government had with Cabinet colleagues on food supply chains in Scotland? My constituents are finding it difficult to source affordable nutritious food. The situation is worsened by flooding and international issues such as the war in Ukraine, energy prices and Brexit. What are the Government doing to support local projects like Lauriston Farm?

Answer from John Lamont

The Government is pursuing contractual reform in the dairy and pork sectors, conducting a new review of the egg sector. Financial assistance for uninsurable losses due to flooding can be provided through the farming recovery fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps with Scottish Government and food industry were not addressed

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Q2 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Ukraine Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The food supply chain in Scotland is under pressure due to issues such as the war in Ukraine, energy prices and Brexit. Flooding has further worsened the situation.

Question

My constituents are finding it increasingly difficult to source affordable nutritious food. The situation is made worse by flooding in Scotland and international pressures like the war in Ukraine, energy prices and Brexit. What are the Government doing to support local projects such as Lauriston Farm?

Answer from John Lamont

The UK Government is closely monitoring the impact of flooding on agriculture and working with the Environment Agency. Financial assistance can be provided through the farming recovery fund for uninsurable losses due to exceptional flooding.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific support measures for Lauriston Farm were not addressed

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Q3 Michael Shanks Lab Rutherglen
Economy Energy
Context

Food inflation in Scotland stands at more than 10%, causing families to choose between eating or heating their homes. Thousands of people are turning to food banks regularly.

Question

Inflation might be slowly coming down, but food inflation in Scotland still stands at more than 10%. Families are forced to choose between being able to eat or heat their home, with thousands relying on food banks weekly. Both Governments should work together better to tackle this issue. What specific steps will the Minister take?

Answer from John Lamont

The Government is committed to tackling rising prices, focusing on reducing inflation. Measures have been put in place to support households with energy prices.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for food industry and Scottish Government were not addressed

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