We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.Supermarket ombudsman ‘on track’
PROPOSALS from the Competition Commission (CC) to set up a supermarket ombudsman remain ‘on track’ despite continued opposition from some of the UK’s leading supermarkets.
Commission chairman Peter Freeman met Andrew George MP, the NFU, British Brands Group and Action Aid last week. He said the new Grocery Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) will be implemented shortly, reassuring them the CC is pressing on with finalising its submission to Government on the ombudsman.
Plans for an ombudsman were set back when the CC failed to win retailers’ support, so it will now put a proposal forward to Ministers at the Department for Business, who could then introduce the regulator through legislation.
That referral remains on course and, following the meeting, Mr George said there would soon be ‘meaningful progress’.
“The meeting was positive and helped to reassure us the CC is determined to implement its recommendations.” he said. “We had some concerns over the amount of time since the Commission made its original recommendations.
“The major supermarkets continue to post record profits, but many of their suppliers struggle, while privately complaining about the unfair treatment they receive. Rapid progress is necessary before it’s too late for some.”
The timetable for introducing legislation is likely to be tight, but the industry is confident Ministers will be able to look at the proposals in time to include it in the Queen’s Speech in September, should they wish to legislate.
Terry Jones, head of Government affairs at the NFU said: “There is clearly a real determination in the CC for this to happen. They have constructed the code to work alongside an ombudsman and are keen to get this through.”
Source:
News
