Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Food Prices in Supermarkets

Thursday 25 May 2023 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Michael Fabricant questioned the government about measures to prevent supermarkets from exploiting high food inflation for excessive profits.
  • Michael Fabricant inquired if the government had a plan to rapidly reduce food prices, noting the silence on this issue in the Secretary of State's written statement after the UK Farm to Fork Summit.
  • Dan Jarvis questioned the government's response to food inflation, low-quality imported eggs, and record migration figures, asking if the government was merely observing these issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Michael Fabricant Con
Economy Business & Trade
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Mark Spencer

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or controls not clearly outlined

How: The Government Will Continue Engagement With Retailers

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Q2 Michael Fabricant Con
Economy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Mark Spencer

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plan or timeline not provided

How: Working Closely With Stakeholders

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Q3 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Immigration Ukraine Benefits & Welfare
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Mark Spencer

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Direct actions addressing food prices not specified

How: Providing Labour Market Support

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Q4 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Economy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Mark Spencer

The NFU welcomed the summit, which brought together retailers, processors, and primary producers. It was a success for tackling challenges facing food production.

Not addressed: Question's critical stance on summit outcomes completely ignored

How: Celebrating The Success Of The Summit

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Q5 Patricia Gibson SNP
Economy
Context

High food prices are causing significant hardship for constituents, prompting concerns that reductions in wholesale costs may not be reflected adequately.

Question

What recent discussions has the government had with supermarkets regarding ensuring cost savings from reduced wholesale prices benefit consumers?

Answer from Mark Spencer

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussion points not detailed

How: Ongoing Engagement With Retailers

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