Watchdog “with teeth” welcomed

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St Ives MP Andrew George has welcomed the Government’s announcement that a new supermarket watchdog will have the power to impose fines from day one.

Andrew George MP

A Government amendment will be introduced today to the Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill to allow the Adjudicator to fine large supermarkets who deal with suppliers unfairly.

George, who chairs the Grocery Market Action Group (GMAG) which has been pressing for this legislation for the past seven years, said: “The Government has listened to those who have campaigned on behalf of farmers, growers and other suppliers. This will give the watchdog the teeth necessary to protect suppliers from unfair dealing.”

The new was broadly welcomed by other local MPs. Stephen Gilbert, MP for Newquay and St Austell, said: “These new powers are great news, especially in our beautiful rural part of the country.

“Farmers deserve a fair price for their produce and shouldn’t be bullied by supermarkets to increase profits. With the beefed up Groceries Adjudicator able to levy fines from day one, farmers will be able to get a fair deal from here on in.”

North Cornwall MP, Dan Rogerson, added: “Farmers and other producers deserve fair and transparent contracts with the retailers to make sure that the profits are distributed evenly and that consumers get good quality British produce at reasonable prices.”