22.02.2007

George, Andrew

That this House recognises the vital and unique role that independent locally run shops play in communities and is concerned at the continuing decline in their number; supports a sustainable UK farming sector and food supply chain whilst seeking to ensure that overseas suppliers are treated fairly; believes that the major supermarkets are now abusing the power that they have in the food supply chain to the detriment of their smaller and dependent suppliers and small shops and welcomes the acknowledgement of these issues in the Competition Commission's Emerging Thinking report published in January 2007; and urges the Commission to recommend the introduction of effective solutions to the competition and planning problems in the grocery market which will provide redress and reasonable protection for suppliers and small retailers, thereby preserving sustainable competition in the grocery market and genuine choice for consumers.