ACS

MPs have backed the introduction of a Supermarket watchdog in a vote that took place on Friday. The Grocery Market Ombudsman Bill completed its second reading debate and following a detailed debate the vote in favour of the Bill’s passage was unanimous.

The Bill, proposed by Albert Owen MP, would bring into force the recommendation of the Competition Commission made at the conclusion of their extensive enquiries into the market in 2008. The Ombudsman’s remit would be limited to enforcing the rules of the existing code of practice.

The second reading comes as reports from the Daily Mail claim that almost half of towns in the UK have at least five supermarkets within a ten minute drive.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We see the implementation of a Grocery Ombudsman as vital to the future of sustainable competition in the industry, the private members bill put forward by Albert Owen is vital to the ongoing campaign for Government action.

“This debate has served to reinforce commitment from across the political spectrum to bring an Ombudsman into force, and we hope that means regulation will happen as soon as possible.”

The Bill has been referred to a Public Bill Committee on a date that has yet to be confirmed.