Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps he is taking to help support the food and drink supply chain.  [85169]

[Due for Answer on 6 December] 

ANSWER 

The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Helen Whately): The government recognises the efforts of operators in the food and drink sector in maintaining supplies during the pandemic and the challenges that continue to be felt due to global supply chain issues. The government closely monitors these issues and, where necessary, takes appropriate fiscal and non-fiscal steps to alleviate temporary pressures. In November the government announced support for the pig industry through the Private Storage Aid scheme, additional support for pork processing, and a pork levy holiday. The government has also taken steps through the visa system to help address temporary labour shortages among pork butchers and poultry workers, building on the successful Seasonal Agricultural Workers scheme. Over the longer term, the government will continue to support UK agriculture following EU Exit. The 2021 Spending Review fulfilled the commitment to maintain farm budgets in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland throughout this parliament, worth a total of £3.7 billion a year.