Allister calls for EU Wide Investigation into Supermarket Abuse
01 February 2008
Traditional Unionist MEP, Jim Allister has supported calls for an EU-wide investigation of supermarkets. A European Parliament petition on investigating and remedying the abuse of power by large supermarkets operating in the European Union, has received signatures from over half of all MEP’s.
Mr Allister said,
“In 2007, the OFT found that a number of UK supermarkets were colluding to operate a dairy cartel, which was obviously detrimental to both producers and consumers. The increasingly dominant position of a small number of large supermarket chains throughout Europe, has shifted the balance firmly against producers. I believe there is a real need for a comprehensive investigation into foul play, and that is why I added my signature to the Written Declaration.”
“I have written to DG Competition, requesting that any investigation must take account of how profits are distributed through the supply chain, as the ultimate litmus test of whether supermarkets are in fact abusing their position. Producer returns for many commodities have been unsustainable for years, a fact clearly illustrated in the Red Meat Taskforce findings.
The continued erosion of a local production base should be a matter of concern for DG Competition, as being not in the interests of consumers. Finally, I have asked that any investigation must be matched with equally far-reaching recommendations for remedial action where appropriate.”
ENDS
