Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

British Food Producers

Thursday 7 December 2023 · 2 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government are committed to supporting British food producers.
  • We are investing 2.4 billion a year in England's farming sector.
  • The Minister expressed willingness to visit a food factory in North Wales.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rob Roberts
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question arises from the ongoing need to support the agricultural sector in Britain, particularly following challenges during the pandemic.

Question

What steps he is taking to support British food producers. The Government are committed to supporting British food producers. We are investing £2.4 billion a year in England's farming sector, and we will also look to support more growers through the replacement of the fruit and vegetables aid scheme for England in 2026.

Answer from Mark Spencer

The Government are committed to supporting British food producers. We are investing £2.4 billion a year in England's farming sector, and we will also look to support more growers through the replacement of the fruit and vegetables aid scheme for England in 2026. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs also sponsors small and medium-sized enterprise masterclasses to signpost and support those businesses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps being taken are vague without concrete commitments or timelines.

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Q2 Rob Roberts
Employment Wales Business & Trade
Context

The Oscar Mayer factory, after reducing staffing numbers during the pandemic, is now expanding and looking to create new employment opportunities by adding product lines. The factory uses traditional methods and fresh ingredients to produce healthy and affordable meal options.

Question

I thank the Minister for his answer. Having gone through a difficult time during covid, in which it had to reduce staffing numbers, the Oscar Mayer factory in my constituency has now taken on additional product lines and is looking to expand and create significant new employment opportunities. It uses traditional methods and fresh ingredients to make healthy and affordable meal options. I know it is watching these proceedings and would be delighted if the Minister confirmed that he will visit the factory in Flint to see the huge improvements it has made in changing the ready meal sector, which has historically been poorly regarded?

Answer from Mark Spencer

The hon. Gentleman will be surprised to know that I would be delighted to visit a food factory. I am also delighted to hear about the success of Oscar Mayer. North Wales has a strong food and drink footprint, represented by many large and small businesses. Should my diary allow, I would be delighted to visit. I will make sure that my colleagues in the Wales Office also know that they have an open invitation.

Not addressed: The Minister did not confirm a specific visit to the Oscar Mayer factory and instead spoke generally about food factories and success of businesses.

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