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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the British pie industry on shortages of aluminium for pie foil casings.

Defra has well established ways of working with the industry and across Government to monitor risks that may arise. These include extensive, regular and ongoing engagement in preparedness for, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption to food supply chains, including those for food packaging.

British pie manufacturers have not raised concerns with Defra about aluminium packaging availability for pie foil casings, but we are aware of issues raised more generally by the food and drink industry due to packaging shortages. We will continue those conversations to explore further impacts and discuss potential solutions.