The CLA calls for clarity from Competition Commission on supermarket watchdog

Rural economy experts the CLA has welcomed the Competition Commission's recommendation to create an independent ombudsman to monitor supermarkets and investigate any alleged abuse of the Supermarket Code of Practice.

The announcement comes after three and a half years of campaigning by the CLA, although the Commission's remedy still leaves a number of unanswered questions.

CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: "We fully support the Competition Commission's recommendation that an independent ombudsman should be created to protect the interests of suppliers, particularly at a time when the multiple retailers will do their utmost in maintaining low prices to the consumer. This could mean even tougher terms for the supplier.

"However, the Commission's report provides in only the most general terms the operation of an independent ombudsman. The most worrying aspect as far as we are concerned is that the ombudsman should be created 'within a reasonable period'. This requires urgent clarification if the credibility of the Commission's recommendations for an ombudsman is to be maintained."

The Country Land and Business Association President added: "We also believe clarity is required regarding the role of an ombudsman vis-à-vis the Office of Fair Trading. It is vitally important that the system is as transparent as possible to increase supplier confidence in the food chain. We will be seeking urgent talks with both the Competition Commission and the Office of Fair Trading to examine the logistics of creating an Independent Ombudsman."