Calls for Government to create a Supermarket Ombudsman grew louder this week as local MP Andrew George hosted a Parliamentary symposium on the issue just days before Ministers are due announce their response to the Competition Commission’s recommendation.
In August the Competition Commission referred their recommendation for the creation of an Ombudsman to Ministers that Government legislate to create an Ombudsman to protect the interests of consumers and suppliers from unfair abuses of market power by the big supermarkets. The Government had 90 days to respond to the Commission’s referral and an announcement is due from the Business Secretary Lord Mandelson in early November.
MPs, farmers’ unions, NGOs and business groups came together in Westminster to discuss the need for Government to implement the Commission’s recommendation for a supermarket watchdog and not give in to pressure from the big retailers to water down the proposed new regulations. The seminar was addressed by representatives from the Competition Commission, the Financial Services Ombudsman, The National Farmers Union, War on Want and Cardiff Business School.
Mr George has been involved in the campaign over the last ten years. He is Chair of the Grocery Market Action Group which includes Friends of the Earth, the National Farmers Union, Action Aid, Traidcraft, War on Want, the British Brands Group, the Association of Convenience Stores and others.
Mr George will lead a delegation from the group at a cross party meeting with Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Minister Kevin Brennan MP next week to keep up the pressure on Ministers until the moment their response is announced.
"We have now had a decade of inquiries and investigations. It is now time for Government to either accept or reject the case for a Supermarket Ombudsman. This campaign is not going to go away. The Government’s competition authority has concluded that the larger supermarkets are no longer using but abusing their market muscle. Consumers and suppliers need a watchdog to ensure fair play."
"For Government to dismiss or delay this announcement could crucially undermine the Competition Commissions’ status. Government being seen to ignore its own competition authority would have considerable ramifications."
"I look forward to meeting with the Minister next week to press home the urgent need for Government to act to create the Ombudsman. An independent Ombudsman will benefit consumers, farmers and our small business sector."
