§ 2.54 p.m.
§ Lord Razzall asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ When they anticipate that they will receive the Office of Fair Trading report on supermarket pricing.
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyMy Lords, the decision to undertake an inquiry into supermarket profitability was taken independently by the Director-General of Fair Trading. It is a matter for him how and when be makes his findings public. I understand that the Office of Fair Trading will announce its conclusions within the next month.
§ Lord RazzallMy Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer, which was anticipated. Does he agree that the issue touched on by the inquiry goes significantly wider than competition-related issues? Does he also agree that, in addition to consumer interests, other interests are involved? I refer to the interests of farmers, who as we speak are bleeding from the reduction in costs; the interests relating to genetically modified food, which we read about during the weekend; and planning issues? Irrespective of the OFT report, would it not be appropriate for the Government to set out a clear statement of policy, including action points, so that we know that the issues can be dealt with?
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyMy Lords, of course the noble Lord is right. A wide range of issues is involved, including the issue that he raised in the Question. However, surely it is right, first, to receive an answer from the Office of Fair Trading about the competition issues, to link that with the introduction of the competition Act in March next year, and then to take into account all the other issues he rightly raised.