The UK’s coalition government today (24 May) unveiled a draft bill to establish an adjudicatory body to oversee the implementation of the code that governs relations between the country’s suppliers and retailers.

In a written parliamentary statement, Business Minister Ed Davey said the body would be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Grocery Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP), which is designed to curtail “abuses of power” in the supply chain and protect consumer interests.

The ombudsman will oversee disputes between retailers and suppliers to ensure that the code is followed fairly.

The draft bill to establish an ombudsman will now be put before Parliament for pre-legislative scrutiny before a final bill is drawn up.

The government has previously indicated that it hopes to introduced a final bill in the second session of Parliament, beginning in May 2012.

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