asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Competition Commission will investigate whether supermarkets use a single agent to bid for them jointly at United Kingdom livestock markets. [HL3393]

The Competition Commission can choose to look at any parts of the grocery supply chain that it believes has an effect on competition between retailers as part of its current inquiry into the UK grocery market. It is, therefore, a matter for the Competition Commission to decide whether the use of agents in livestock markets forms part of the inquiry. The Competition Commission welcomes submissions and evidence of any issues relating to livestock markets that might inform its work.