§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has given to establishing an independent regulator for multiple food retailers. [42170]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 11 March 2002]: We have no plans to establish an independent regulator for multiple food retailers. The Code of Practice on Supermarkets' Dealings with Suppliers, which applies to supermarkets that have 8 per cent. or more of the market, provides for independent dispute resolution. The supermarkets currently falling above this threshold (Asda, Safeway, Sainsbury and Tesco) have all given legally binding undertakings to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to abide by the code and it will now come into force on 17 March 2002. In addition, we are encouraging wider adoption of the code in the food chain on a voluntary basis.