More competition between supermarkets will mean a better deal for South East consumers
October 31, 2007 12:00 AM
More competition between the big supermarkets is necessary
The Competition Commission today published its initial findings following an 18 month investigation into Britain's £123bn-a-year grocery industry, declaring that major supermarkets are not competing effectively in some parts of the country and proposing a shake-up of the planning system to force supermarkets to sell land they own in areas where there is not enough choice for consumers.
Responding to the Competition Commission's findings, South East Lib Dem MEP, Sharon Bowles, said, "Consumers in many parts of the South East are benefiting from vigorous competition between supermarkets. However, in areas where this is not the case, we need action to ensure people have more choice over where they buy their groceries. Encouraging more competition by forcing supermarkets to sell land they own in areas where there are not enough different chains can only benefit the region's shoppers."
The Competition Commission's report is the third inquiry into Britain's supermarket sector since 2000 and comes amid growing concern about the dominance of 'big four' supermarket chains.
Sharon added, "I would also like to see more action to protect the region's suppliers, many of whom have suffered in the past from retailers passing on their unexpected costs to them. A code of practice on this specific issue was set up in 2000. It is time for all supermarkets to respect the rules to which they signed up seven years ago."
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