SUPERMARKET REGULATOR

That this House recognises the vital role that farmers play in supplying high quality produce through retailers across the country; notes with concern that discussions between supermarkets and the Competition Commission over the regulation of the supply chain between farmers and retailers have stalled; expresses concern about the growing uncertainty this has caused within the farming industry; is frustrated at the Government's reluctance to persuade supermarket retailers to commit to the introduction of a supermarket ombudsman; recognises that a report by Cardiff University estimates the annual cost of an ombudsman is £6 million; and calls on the Government to introduce an independent supermarket regulator to ensure that the supply chain from farms to supermarkets is properly monitored and that fair prices are paid to farmers for their produce.