Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 18 November 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 November 1999. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 November 1999 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will support a reference to the Competition Commission in respect of the policy of Safeway to require a £20,000 contribution per product line from suppliers in return for guaranteed shelf space.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will support a reference to the Competition Commission in respect of the policy of Safeway to require a £20,000 contribution per product line from suppliers in return for guaranteed shelf space. [99323] Dr. Howells: The Competition Commission is already investigating the supply of groceries from supermarkets. The Commission's terms of reference would allow them to investigate relationships between supermarkets and their suppliers. The exact scope of investigations is a matter for the Commission. The nature of the relationship between the supermarkets and their suppliers was flagged up as an area of concern by the Director General of Fair Trading in his press notice announcing the reference.

Secondary information