Food Banks

Debate between Maria Eagle and Gerald Howarth

Wednesday 18th December 2013 Commons Chamber

[Maria Eagle]

The hon. Gentleman first asked me why the previous Government did not refer people who needed assistance to food banks. In a parliamentary answer in September, his own Government said that Jobcentre Plus only signposts people to food banks and does not refer people to them or issue vouchers, so there is no difference whatever.

[Sir Gerald Howarth (Aldershot) (Con)]

Will the hon. Lady give way?

[Maria Eagle]

No. Let me make it clear that I will not take many interventions because of the number—[Interruption.] I am seeking to give hon. Members in all parts of the House a chance to get into the debate, and it will not help if I take three quarters of an hour to open it.

--- Later in debate ---

[Sir Gerald Howarth]

rose—

[Maria Eagle]

I will give way to the hon. Member for Aldershot (Sir Gerald Howarth).

[Sir Gerald Howarth]

I am most grateful to the hon. Lady. She seems to be placing responsibility for all this at the door of the coalition Government. Is she aware that the excellent food bank in Farnborough was established in 2009 as the 49th Trussell Trust food bank? Does not that illustrate that it was the destruction of the public finances by her party in government that has been responsible for the disaster that is affecting this country?