To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects of recent increases in food prices on the stability of the economy. (187980)

Overall, CPI inflation has remained very close to its 2 per cent. target in recent months, despite the peak in food price inflation. The Government will publish their latest assessment of recent economic developments and prospects in the “Financial Statement and Budget Report” on 12 March, in the normal way.