§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she has taken to implement a retail code of practice; and if she will make a statement. [2945]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 9 July 2001]: In its October 2000 report on the supply of groceries, the Competition Commission recommended that a code of practice be established governing the way leading supermarkets treated their suppliers. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry asked the Director General of Fair Trading to agree a code with the relevant supermarkets. He has recently submitted his advice to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.