Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing price caps for basic foodstuffs.

Defra regularly engages with supermarkets and producers on a range of food supply matters.

It is not for the Government to set retail food prices nor to comment on day-to-day commercial decisions taken by businesses. Nonetheless, we appreciate concerns about how these dynamics may affect the most vulnerable consumers and will continue to engage with industry stakeholders on these important issues.

The Government’s Food Strategy, announced in December, is focused on creating a food system that delivers healthy, sustainable, and affordable food for all. We are working across the Government and with the food supply chain to help achieve better outcomes for consumers.