Food Prices in Supermarkets 2023-05-25
2023-05-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
High food inflation is causing significant hardship for constituents in Lichfield and Burntwood, as well as across the UK. The question arises from concerns about supermarkets taking advantage of wholesale price reductions.
My constituents in Lichfield and Burntwood are enduring high food inflation along with people in other parts of the country and Europe. What measures does the government have to ensure that supermarkets do not exploit this situation for excessive profits?
Retailers work to maintain competitive pressure in the marketplace. The Competition and Markets Authority is investigating the grocery sector to address any failures contributing to higher prices. The Groceries Code Adjudicator remains independent and can initiate investigations as necessary.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or controls not clearly outlined
The Government Will Continue Engagement With Retailers
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
UK food prices are experiencing a significant increase of 19%, affecting millions. The government's Farm to Fork summit did not address this issue despite the opportunity.
The UK Farm to Fork Summit provided an occasion to tackle inflationary pressures across the supply chain, but the Secretary of State's written statement was silent on food price inflation. Does the Minister have a plan to rapidly reduce food prices? If not, why?
The Prime Minister aims to reduce overall inflation, including food prices impacted by global market pressures. The Government works closely with retailers and producers to mitigate these pressures.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plan or timeline not provided
Working Closely With Stakeholders
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Record-high food inflation, lower-standard imported eggs on shelves due to producer undercutting, and record immigration numbers pose challenges for UK food producers.
With food inflation at almost 2%, low-quality imported eggs in stores because of producer undercutting, and record migration figures announced today, what are the Minister and Secretary of State doing about these issues? Are they just observers?
Immigration figures were partly due to people coming from Ukraine and Hong Kong. The Government has issued 45,000 visas and an additional 10,000 for this year, helping growers and producers to source labour.
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Assessment & feedback
Direct actions addressing food prices not specified
Providing Labour Market Support
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The recently concluded Farm to Fork Summit was criticized for lacking concrete outcomes related to reducing food prices or addressing inflation. The National Farmers Union also called on the government to prevent Britain's food self-sufficiency from declining.
Last week's Farm to Fork Summit, which excluded Scottish representatives, did not address price reduction or inflation issues according to industry leaders. In addition, there was no commitment regarding the NFU call for maintaining UK food self-sufficiency levels above 6%. Does the Minister agree with this assessment? If not, what concrete outcomes were achieved?
The NFU welcomed the summit, which brought together retailers, processors, and primary producers. It was a success for tackling challenges facing food production.
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Assessment & feedback
Question's critical stance on summit outcomes completely ignored
Celebrating The Success Of The Summit
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
High food prices are causing significant hardship for constituents, prompting concerns that reductions in wholesale costs may not be reflected adequately.
What recent discussions has the government had with supermarkets regarding ensuring cost savings from reduced wholesale prices benefit consumers?
The Department meets regularly with retailers to discuss issues including food inflation. The Chancellor and Secretary of State recently met with food and drink manufacturers.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific discussion points not detailed
Ongoing Engagement With Retailers
Response accuracy