WELSH LIB DEMS WELCOME PROGRESS ON SUPERMARKET OMBUDSMAN

4.35.38pm GMT Fri 5th Mar 2010

Roger Williams, Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon and Radnorshire and Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, and Mark Williams, Liberal Democrat MP for Ceredigion, today represented the Welsh Liberal Democrats in Westminster as they spoke in support of Albert Owen MPs Grocery Market Ombudsman Private Members Bill.

The Bill required 35 MPs to vote and passed its 2nd Reading with 44 votes in favour and none in opposition.

The Bill will now go to Committee.

Roger Williams said:

"I am delighted that this Bill has made it into Committee stage as the need for an ombudsman to oversee all aspects of the food chain has been clear for sometime.

"It was most disappointing to see that no Welsh Conservative MPs managed to make themselves available to speak in favour of this Bill as the introduction of an ombudsman would benefit all Welsh food producers.

"Farmers have been pushed to the brink and Supermarkets anti-competitive practices will continue unless more is done to protect them and therefore the progress made today is a huge step forward.

"On a more personal note, it is also the first time I have announced the result of a division and been on the winning side.

Mark Williams said:

"Not only where there no Welsh Conservative MPs present today but Plaid Cymru also failed to attend in support of Welsh Agriculture.

"We are constantly being told of their record of representation at Westminster, yet on an important matter for Welsh farmers, they were nowhere to be seen.

"This Bill would be an important tool to ensure that farmers and food producers get a fair deal, and although parliamentary time is likely to be short, all major parties are now signed up to this, and an Ombudsman is likely to become a reality after the election."