Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking to tackle food poverty in Scotland; whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on trends in the use of food banks; and if he will make statement.

Work is the most effective route out of poverty and this Government is committed to helping people find work through a wide-range of support, targeted to each individual’s personal circumstances. While food banks represent an impressive response by civil society and faith groups to support vulnerable people, we also provide a strong safety net through the welfare system and will spend over £90bn in welfare support to people below State Pensions age in 2018/19.