---

Supermarket Regulator

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right: things have got considerably worse. Evidence has been produced, which is why there is a need for action. As well as the organisations referred to in the hon. Gentleman’s report and the ACS, several other interest groups have growing concerns about supermarket expansion. The ACS is backed by consumer and campaign groups from the women’s institute to Friends of the Earth, and even the New Economics Foundation. On 2 August 2005, the ACS launched its formal appeal to the competition appeals tribunal, arguing that the OFT did not give proper consideration to the evidence presented to it, especially on below-cost selling and the effects of buyer power on the grocery market. At the end of this week, the ACS will respond to the OFT with further detailed evidence covering all grounds—enough in my view and that of others to warrant a thorough investigation into the grocery market.