§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to ensure that reductions in prices paid to milk producers are passed on to milk consumers. [63127]
§ Mr. RookerPricing decisions at retail level in respect of produce, including milk, are matters for the commercial judgment of the various food retail companies, which operate in a fiercely competitive market. However, it must be remembered that a significant part of the final price of food to the consumer is accounted for by processing,242W distribution and marketing costs. So the proportional impact of raw material price changes would be expected to be much reduced at retail level.