COMPETITIVE PRACTICES OF SUPERMARKETS

Early day motion 1069, tabled 23 October 2000 by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 43 members.

That this House notes the findings of the recent Competition Commission inquiry that some major supermarkets 'distorted competition in the supply of groceries' with the effect of helping to kill competition from smaller shops; welcomes the conclusion that this 'operates against the public interest', but deplores the perverse decision that no action should be taken in this regard; and therefore calls upon the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to ask the Director General of Fair Trading to advise on steps to be taken to protect the owners of small businesses from unfair competition aimed at destroying their livelihoods.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 25, Labour 15, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 1.