News
5th May 09
5/5/2009
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has welcomed the news that the Competition Commission is undertaking a public consultation concerning their proposal to establish an Ombudsman.
Elliott Welcomes Consultation on CC’s Ombudsman Plan
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has welcomed the news that the Competition Commission is undertaking a public consultation concerning their proposal to establish an Ombudsman. The creation of such a position is intended to oversee the relationship between suppliers and the supermarkets under the new Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).
In a statement the UUP representative for Fermanagh & South Tyrone said: "I have been watching the Competition Commission’s investigation into the relationship between supermarkets and their suppliers with great interest since it commenced in 2006 and welcome that it has progressed to this stage.
"There has for some time been a feeling that the supermarket chains have had too much power over the farmers and growers that produce the food on their shelves. It has therefore been useful to allow all stakeholders the opportunity to tender their views in a bid to assess the real nature of this relationship and to ensure that it is not unfairly favouring one side or the other."
Tom continued: "It is a positive development for suppliers that we have reached this stage in the process where views on the introduction of an Ombudsman are being actively sought. I think most people would recognise that to drive farmers out of business due to the pursuit of profits does not help anybody in the supply chain in the longer term.
"The Ulster Unionist Party recommended the creation of an Ombudsman’s office several years ago after it recognised that our primary producers needed some form of safeguard to protect their profit margins which ultimately ensures that they stay in business."
In conclusion Tom added: "The successful implementation of such a proposal requires the support of retailers and suppliers alike. It is also vital that an Ombudsman’s office has power to make a difference to ensure that confidence exists in the framework. I would ask that any individual or organisation with a strong view on this matter makes a submission to the consultation, further details of which can be found on the Competition Commission’s website: www.competition-commission.org.uk ."
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