Written questions by Sollom.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Extended Producer Responsibility fee structures on UK manufacturers’ investment in sustainable fibre-based composite packaging innovation that supports a circular economy.

In October 2024, the Government published an updated assessment of the impact of introducing the pEPR scheme on packaging producers as a whole. This impact assessment did not split the assessment by sector or material type. Since January 2025 the Recyclability Assessment Methodology has allocated packaging to fee modulation sub-categories, ensuring less-recyclable materials attract higher fees and drive investment in recyclability and innovation.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to encourage the (a) reuse and (b) repair of items to help create a circular economy.

This Government is committed to transitioning to a circular economy. We have convened a Circular Economy Taskforce, comprising experts from industry, academia, and civil society, to help develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England. The Strategy will map our transition to a circular economy, supported by a series of roadmaps that detail the interventions that the government and others will make on a sector-by-sector basis. Defra recognises that reuse and repair are fundamental tenets of any circular economy, and a successful transition aims to eliminate waste and promote sustainability through reuse and resource efficiency. We will consider the evidence for appropriate action right across the economy as we develop the Strategy.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to help ensure safe dining in restaurants for people with food allergies.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has a statutory role in leading government policy on food safety, including in gathering evidence and advising the government. Following the FSA Board decision in December 2023, FSA officials are progressing a programme of work to evaluate and appraise the options for improving the provision of allergen information for non-prepacked foods, such as food served in restaurants. The FSA has agreed to keep Defra looped in on this work and any recommendations emerging from it. It would not be appropriate for Defra to comment on any proposals prior to the FSA completing its evaluation and appraisal of policy options. Any new legislation needs to be carefully considered, taking into account the views of all stakeholders and the balance of costs and benefits.