Examination of Witnesses (Questions 240
- 243)
WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2009
MS LUCY
NEVILLE-ROLFE
Q240 Mr Williams:
It is 38 or 40%.
Ms Neville-Rolfe: No; it is 30%
or less on some measures. We have said that we will look constructively
when the Competition Commission comes out with its proposals.
I am just trying to share with you looking at it objectively whether
or not it will improve things, or can the same system, to look
properly at disputes where there is a problem, be dealt with by
another method?
Q241 David Taylor:
Whether one third or 40% of the business in Britain goes through
Tesco is not the point. You are clearly a dominant player in the
market. The feeling I get from some of the answers you have given
is that perhaps you are a little reactive in these matters but
not at all proactive. For instance, I find it disappointing that
there is no written submission to this Committee which would have
helped it a good deal in being able to focus its questioning more
precisely. I get the impression that you are standing aloof from
what is happening in the area of government on food policy. Is
that a fair comment?
Ms Neville-Rolfe: I think it would
be unfair. If you want a written submission we will give you one,
but I think the BRC put in a submission. We were asked to give
evidence but I was not asked to provide a written submission.
Obviously, I can provide one if you wish. I have also promised
to follow up on a number of things. I am sure that in some areas
we are reactive; in others we try to move the agenda forward.
Q242 David Taylor:
So, you are enthusiastic; you do not wait be asked and you make
sure your voice is heard without waiting?
Ms Neville-Rolfe: Yes, absolutely,
looking at the sorts of things we have discussed on dairy, climate
change and product innovation. The Competition Commission conducted
an inquiry over the past two or three years and found that the
industry was competitive, and it found that Tesco was not the
issue and was competing.
Q243 David Taylor:
Proper formulation and delivery of food policy in the interests
of all 61 million of us in the UK will not happen unless Tesco
show perhaps a tad more commitment to this area than has been
evident so far. I do not blame you for that but the company is
culpable in that regard.
Ms Neville-Rolfe: In a way we
feel some pride in being one of the leading food companies in
the world. I talked to you about the sharing of learning that
we do round the world. I think we are respected for our technical
teams that are out there in the supply chain talking to suppliers.
It is perhaps a fair comment that maybe we should spend more time
just making sure that you, Mr Taylor, and others talk to them
a little more.
David Taylor: And all of my colleagues,
in particular Mr Jack.
Chairman: Thank you very much. We have
benefited from your views and look forward to receiving from you
further written contributions.
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