Written question asked by Jim Dobbin (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 October 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 November 1999. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Monday, 8 November 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what plans he has for further discussions with supermarket chains on pricing policy; and what progress he has made.

Answer: Mr. Dobbin: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for further discussions with supermarket chains on pricing policy; and what progress he has made. [96683] Ms Quin: Pricing decisions in respect of produce at retail level are matters for the commercial judgment of the retailers involved. The Competition Commission are currently investigating competition in the grocery retailing sector which will include relationships with suppliers including farmers. However, some of the actions arising from the work of the Food Chain Group should help to increase understanding throughout the food chain of the competitive pressures faced by individual sectors and how decisions and actions by one part of the chain may impact upon another.

Secondary information