Sainsbury and Asda Merger

Susan Elan Jones Excerpts
Monday 30th April 2018

(6 years ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts

Urgent Questions are proposed each morning by backbench MPs, and up to two may be selected each day by the Speaker. Chosen Urgent Questions are announced 30 minutes before Parliament sits each day.

Each Urgent Question requires a Government Minister to give a response on the debate topic.

This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record

Andrew Griffiths Portrait Andrew Griffiths
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Let me say again that, as the Small business Minister, I am particularly attuned to that issue. I think that all of us, as consumers and as parliamentarians, want those small food producers—those artisanal businesses—to grow and thrive. Both Asda and Sainsbury’s have given assurances that they want to continue those important relationships. However, the Competition and Markets Authority, within its powers, will consider the impact on the supply chain.

Susan Elan Jones Portrait Susan Elan Jones (Clwyd South) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

Does the Minister think that this is a good deal or a bad deal for British farming?

Andrew Griffiths Portrait Andrew Griffiths
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I think the hon. Lady will understand that it is a deal that must be considered by the shareholders of both Asda and Sainsbury’s. It would be inappropriate for me as the Minister, given my role, to pass judgment on its validity or veracity.