Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to his Department’s paper entitled Carbon Budget Delivery Plan, published 30 March 2023, what discussions he has had with the Food Standards Agency on (a) the timescale and (b) process of approving methane suppressing feed products for livestock; and what discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on farmers’ willingness to use methane reducing supplements.

The Domestic and Economic Affairs (Energy, Climate and Net Zero) Cabinet Committee and supporting governance structures provide forums to discuss how different sectors, including agriculture, contribute to our carbon budgets. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero is the deputy chair of this Committee, which my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs attends as do I.

A call for evidence on methane suppressing feed products closed in November 2022. The Government will publish further details in the summary of responses later this year.