Government concedes there is very little it can do to deal with the cost of food in the country.

Opposition Senator Wade Mark yesterday raised a matter on the adjournment calling on the government to say what it will do about the rising cost of living.

He said the times call for action.

In the Upper House Mr. Mark said his call was on behalf of the working class.

In response government Senator Paula Gopee Scoon said the problem is due to external forces.

Mrs. Gopee Scoon would list some of the factors affecting the cost of food.

The Opposition also called for more items to be made VAT free.