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Press Release

OFT Supermarket probe welcomed by FSB

9 March 2006

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) today welcomed the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) announcement that they have referred the grocery market to the Competition Commission for a more detailed investigation.

The FSB led calls for the OFT inquiry and repeated the desire for a probe on Tuesday March 7.

Carol Undy, FSB National Chairman, said:

“This inquiry is not a moment too soon. When supermarkets, convenience stores and branded petrol stations are considered together, there is little doubt that there is a dominant position being taken by the Big Four supermarkets in the grocery sector.

“However, the OFT recommendation to the Competition Commission is, in our view, too narrow. As well as the planning regime and property management of the Big Four there are other matters to consider. The issue of parking for independent retailers, compared to free car parks outside supermarkets, as well as the treatment of small suppliers should also be closely examined.

“After the issue was raised in Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday we are pleased that prompt action has been taken. We look forward to contributing fully to the Competition Commission investigation.”



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Federation of Small Businesses

Federation of Small Businesses

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