Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure the affordability of gluten free products.

It is not for the UK Government to set retail food prices or to comment on day-to-day commercial decisions by retailers. However, we continue to monitor prices closely using the Consumer Prices Index and to work with industry to promote transparency for consumers.

Gluten free foods, specifically, are regulated under general food law in England and provided to all coeliac patients on NHS prescription. Extensive arrangements are in place to help people afford NHS prescriptions, including a broad range of NHS prescription charge exemptions. Together these exemptions currently mean around 89% of NHS prescription items are dispensed in the community free of charge.