Oral Answers to Questions

John Spellar Excerpts

Thursday 12th January 2023 Commons Chamber

[Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op)]

3. What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the UK’s food security.

[John Spellar (Warley) (Lab)]

4. What steps she is taking to strengthen domestic food security.

[Marco Longhi (Dudley North) (Con)]

8. What steps she is taking to strengthen domestic food security.

--- Later in debate ---

[Dr Coffey]

I have already replied to the DEFRA Committee about this. The impact on crabs is under investigation, as the hon. Gentleman is aware, and it makes no difference to the adequacy of the UK’s food security, which is the topic of this question.

[John Spellar]

Is it not clear that secure domestic food production requires consistent orders? A huge amount of food is purchased by the public sector, including Government Departments, especially in Defence, hospitals and local government, and especially schools. What action is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that they prioritise buying British? Is it not time to take back control?

[Dr Coffey]

I think the right hon. Gentleman voted to stay in the European Union, which stopped us promoting British food procurement. However, there is Government policy to encourage that, and I am confident that local authorities, including his, will continue to do so when considering school meals.