Concern has been expressed regarding inflation in food products but on a current monthly basis the rate of inflation in food products remains much lower than the general rate of inflation. That has been a consistent trend over recent months, with inflation in food prices at 1.6%. Most commentators expect retail food prices to reduce even further as a stronger euro impacts on exchange rates with sterling, which is to be welcomed. The low level of inflation in food prices is indicative of a sector that enjoys a real competitive dynamic. We are fortunate that every town and village in the country, unlike parts of Britain, has a food shop, which is to be welcomed. The emphasis on price competition in the sector is palpable, clear to consumers and can be seen at every level in the retail grocery sector. I very much welcome this. The rate of inflation in food products, at 1.6%, remains lower than the general rate of inflation and has been a consistent trend.