Oral Answers to Questions

Nigel Huddleston Excerpts

Thursday 26th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

We trust that the Secretary of State caught something. Perhaps further and better particulars should be deposited in the Library before long.

[Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)]

9. What plans he has to reform financial support for farming after the UK leaves the EU.

[The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (George Eustice)]

Leaving the EU is a great opportunity to design a new agriculture policy that is fit for purpose in the 21st century. As we develop plans for a new agriculture Bill, we are considering how best to deploy the financial support committed to agriculture and the farmed environment. At the heart of that policy will be a focus on delivering environmental outcomes and improving soil health. Other measures under consideration will address issues such as productivity, animal welfare and risk management.

[Nigel Huddleston]

I thank the Minister for that response, in particular on the need to increase productivity in the farming sector. What consideration has he given to potential changes in taxes, to encourage more investment in machinery and technology post-Brexit?

[George Eustice]

As part of our work on innovation, we are considering grants to support investment in farms. Tax policy is obviously a matter for Treasury Ministers, but there are already annual investment allowances to support investment in farm machinery, and many farmers make use of them.