§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
In the light of the Competition Commission's finding that practices between the four major banks were adversely affecting small and medium-sized enterprises, whether they intend to review the workings of the code of practice on supermarkets' dealing with suppliers. [HL3475]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleThe code of practice came into force on 17 March 2002.
The Director General of Fair Trading is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the operation of Fair Trade Act orders and undertakings and will keep the operation of the code under continuous review.
His office has been in contact with relevant trade associations with a view to their assisting in the monitoring process. The code also provides for the independent dispute mediator to supply the director general with an annual return of his work.