Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill [HL] - Commons Library Research Paper

Published 14 August 2012 | Research papers RP12/44

Authors: Antony Seely

Topic: Competition

The Code was established by the Competition Commission in February 2010 following a two-year investigation into the groceries market. The Commission discovered a number of anti-competitive practices by big supermarkets which, in its view, posed a threat to the long-term interests of consumers. The Commission recommended that a new statutory body should be set up to enforce the Groceries Code, and in May 2011 the Coalition Government published a draft Bill to this effect. Following a report on the draft legislation by the Business, Innovation & Skills Select Committee, the final Bill was introduced in the Lords on 10 May 2012 (HL Bill 2). The Bill completed its scrutiny in the Lords on 24 July and was introduced that day in the Commons (Bill 62). A date for the Bill’s Second Reading debate has yet to be set.

Related information

House of Commons Library

The House of Commons Library provides research, analysis and information services for MPs and their staff.

If you have any comments on briefings from the Commons Library, please contact papers@parliament.uk.

Please note, authors are not available to discuss the contents of papers with members of the general public.

House of Lords Library

The House of Lords Library delivers research and information services to Members and staff of the House in support of parliamentary business.

Email holresearchservices@parliament.uk with comments on Lords Library Notes.

Please note that authors are not available to discuss the contents of Library Notes with members of the general public.

Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology

POST produces independent, balanced and accessible briefings on public policy issues related to science and technology. You can leave feedback at www.surveymonkey.com/postnote