Supermarket planning changes welcome but there must be real choice

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 31st Oct 2007

Greg Mulholland MP, has welcomed the news that large supermarkets could be forced to sell off part of the huge 'landbanks' they hold, in order to increase choice to consumers.

The initial findings of the Competition Commission's report into the supermarket and grocery market have suggested that supermarkets could be forced to sell off this land in areas where it is perceived that too few retailers are operating.

However, Mr Mulholland has warned that increased choice can only truly be achieved by also encouraging the small independent retailers sector.

Commenting Mr Mulholland said:

"The news that supermarkets could be forced to sell off some of the land that they have accumulated in huge landbanks can only be good for local consumers and communities.

"However, it is critical that measures are also taken to encourage the growth of small independent retailers in the marketplace, so that consumers do have access to real choice, and we must ensure that at the other end of the supply chain that farmers can get a fair deal for their produce.

"This will not be done simply by encouraging competition between the big supermarkets, there must be fair competition across the whole grocery sector. "