SUPPORT FOR GROCERY SUPPLIERS

That this House welcomes Government plans to monitor and enforce the Grocery Supply Code of Practice through the creation of a grocery supply adjudicator which has all-party support; notes that the Competition Commission's Grocery Market Inquiry found that some supermarket practices, such as retrospective unilateral changes to the terms of supply agreements, charges for loss or damage to goods after delivery and withholding payment without cause, had the effect of transferring excessive risk and unexpected cost through the supply chain and, therefore, concluded that an adjudicator would help to ensure fair dealing; further notes that the Commission concluded that an adjudicator would protect the interests of consumers by promoting an improved supplier-supermarket relationship that would encourage greater investment and innovation; is, however, concerned that the Government proposes merely to introduce a draft Bill in this Session and is aware that there is a need for greater urgency to introduce the adjudicator; and, therefore, urges Her Majesty's Government to bring forward the necessary primary legislation to establish the adjudicator as soon as possible, and before the end of the current Parliamentary session at the latest.