Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the effect of price trends in the baked goods market on (a) the pay and conditions of employees in that sector, (b) public health and (c) the commercial viability of producers.

The Government monitors overall food prices using the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). In the year to June 2016 food prices had reduced year-on-year by 2.9% and are over 7% lower than the peak in 2014.

The Government’s new National Living Wage became law on 1st April 2016. Workers aged 25 and over, and not in the first year of an apprenticeship are legally entitled to at least £7.20 per hour, an increase of fifty pence per hour.

The Eatwell Guide sets out Government’s recommendations on eating healthily and achieving a balanced diet.

Two new Apprenticeship Trailblazer Standards, "Baker" and "Advanced Bakery", have been created by industry. The Secretary of State is attending the launch of these new Industry Approved Apprenticeship Standards at a reception at the Houses of Parliament this week.