Food: Food Banks

Debate between Lord Davies of Coity and Lord De Mauley

Tuesday 26th November 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord De Mauley]

My noble friend asks an important question. We have been working closely with the Commission and other member states with regard to the communication on sustainable food. We met members of the food and drink sector before responding to the Commission’s consultation in October. We have also convened a meeting between interested parties and the Commission. It is a very complex matter but we have ensured that the Commission is aware of the many sustainability and resource-efficiency initiatives undertaken by the UK food industry in recent years.

[Lord Davies of Coity (Lab)]

My Lords, does the Minister remember that a very long time ago a man by the name of Galbraith coined the phrase “private affluence and public squalor”? In view of the increase in poverty and the growth of food banks, does the Minister believe that this country is heading for the same situation?

[Lord De Mauley]

No, my Lords, and I think I have somewhat laboured the point as to the policy initiatives that we are following.

Companies: Executive Remuneration

Debate between Lord Davies of Coity and Lord De Mauley

Wednesday 13th June 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord De Mauley]

I wish I could think of a quick answer to that, my Lords.

[Lord Davies of Coity]

My Lords, in answer to the question posed by the noble Lord, Lord Lea, the Minister said there were no plans to have employee representatives on management boards. Fine—but can the Minister tell the House why the Government object to workers’ representatives being on the boards?

[Lord De Mauley]

My Lords, I am as yet unconvinced that it would contribute to the growth of those companies or of UK plc.