Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between George Eustice and Emma Lewell-Buck

Thursday 26th April 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) (Lab)]

T7. My Food Insecurity Bill contains a cost-neutral proposal to measure UK hunger. It is supported by 77% of the public, over 100 MPs across the House, two cross-party groups and more than 20 organisations, but it is not supported by the Government. Why?

[George Eustice]

The hon. Lady knows why, because I met with her to explain it. The work is already being done. A Food Standards Agency food survey asks exactly the questions proposed in her Bill, and we also have the annual living costs and food survey.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between George Eustice and Emma Lewell-Buck

Thursday 8th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) (Lab)]

Last week’s Brexit paper referred to the availability of food, but made zero reference to the scandal that one in 12 British adults had gone a whole day without it. Why do the Government not care about people going hungry?

[George Eustice]

We do care about people going hungry. We have a number of initiatives to support food banks and ensure that food is redistributed. We are also reforming and improving the benefits system to help people back into work, which is obviously the best option.