ASDA are preparing to set up a huge new store in the centre of Chorley, so it was a timely reminder for the town’s Labour MP, Lindsay Hoyle, when the NFU reminded him of the need for a grocery market ombudsman.
Mr Hoyle was invited to the NFU’s Chorley office where he was given a copy of the organisation’s election manifesto by group secretaries Jackie Doran and Stephen Fawcett. They were joined by local poultry farmer, John Gornall, of Euxton.
Mr Hoyle said: "I think it’s crucial that we monitor the power of our supermarkets. We have to tie them into a charter that makes business fair. If they don’t sign up to the charter then they should be reported to the ombudsman.
"However, the ombudsman needs teeth that can put a real bite on supermarkets. They won’t like it but if they don’t comply with the ombudsman, then the ombudsman should have the power to close them down for a day or two. That would see them fall into line. I am also a strong believer that supermarkets should pay a minimum farm gate price."
When Jackie Doran said she felt strongly that food and farming should be part of the National Curriculum in schools, Mr Hoyle said he agreed entirely. He also said he believed imported foods produced in countries which have inferior animal welfare standards than our own, should be banned.
Mr Hoyle added: "Animal welfare legislation is important but it should not be used to put our own farmers out of business. It should be there to make those farmers abroad raise their standards. I think we should have a restriction on imports that don’t reach our standards."
