Written question asked by Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour) on Thursday, 8 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 March 2012. It was answered by James Paice (Conservative) on Thursday, 22 March 2012 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Droughts

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the likely effect of drought in the East and West of England on food prices.

Answer: We continue to monitor the situation for a number of crops, production of which could be affected by drought conditions in England, including grains, horticultural produce and potatoes. We do not currently expect drought in the East or West of England to contribute to upward pressure on consumer prices as there are many factors to be considered. However, we recognise that if there is significant dry weather in other parts of Europe or further afield, we could see some price rises on individual products.

Secondary information