Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Earl Attlee (Conservative). It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 March 2008.

Food: Grain Stocks

Question: What assessment they have made of world stocks of grain and their implication for the United Kingdom.

Answer: My Lords, I thank the noble Earl for this Question, which I think is the first time that this matter has been raised in either House at Question Time. The current situation is that world grain stocks are forecast to decrease to 247 million tonnes this year, as a result of two successive lower wheat harvests and the increased demand for cereals from the food, feed and fuel sectors. The main impact on the United Kingdom and globally has been sharply higher prices, which, combined with policy changes such as the removal of the set-aside requirement for the 2008 harvest, will undoubtedly stimulate grain production in the UK and, we hope, elsewhere.

Secondary information