Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Bishop of Wakefield (Bishops (affiliation)). It was answered on Tuesday, 20 March 2012.

Groceries Code Adjudicator

Question: My Lords, I thank the Minister for his reply, but what evidence does the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills have that limiting the powers of the groceries code adjudicator to naming and shaming transgressing supermarkets will have the desired deterrent effect?

Answer: My Lords, the adjudicator's primary role will be investigating complaints and uncovering breaches of the groceries code. Once the breach is uncovered, the adjudicator will be able to use the following remedies. First, it will be able to recommend to the retailer how it should comply with the code. If that is not followed, a further investigation can be launched with a tougher remedy. It can instruct the retailer to publish information on the breach—naming and shaming, to which the right reverend Prelate referred. There is then a reserve power to impose financial penalties, which will only become available to the adjudicator once the Secretary of State has allowed it by order.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 736 c739-40
Session: 2010-12
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Codes of practice Powers Supermarkets Groceries Code Adjudicator Complaints Trade associations
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk