To ask the Minister for the Economy in light of the continuing carbon dioxide shortage, which it is reported may result in a mass cull of livestock, to outline the steps he is taking to support the agri-food sector.

I am aware of the impact that the shortage of carbon dioxide is having across the UK economy, including the agri-food sector.

I raised the issue with Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and welcomed his subsequent announcement, on Tuesday 21 September, that an agreement had been reached with CF Fertilisers to ensure the continued supply of CO2 to UK businesses over the next three weeks.

I understand that the UK Environment Secretary has advised that this is a short-term intervention to provide the space and time for market adjustment.

The responsibility for the safe slaughter of animals is within the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs remit, however I remain in close contact with Minister Poots on this issue.