Regional Development Agencies
Debate between Lord Avebury and Baroness Wilcox
Baroness Wilcox
All sorts of arrangements are being made, some of which are not yet complete. We will make an announcement soon on some of the remaining land and property assets that have not yet been disbursed. We also have venture capital funds that are being transferred to BIS. Investment decisions will remain sited in the regions and funds will be reinvested for the benefit of the regions.
Lord Avebury
My Lords, will the Government encourage the HCA to devote some of the land it acquires to the provision of Gipsy sites, which will be in short supply consequent on the abolition of the regional strategies?
Baroness Wilcox
I am afraid I do not have the answer to hand because I was not expecting the question. However, it is a good question and I will go back, see what I can find out, and write to the noble Lord.
Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill
Debate between Lord Avebury and Baroness Wilcox
Baroness Wilcox
I know that the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Wakefield is most anxious to see the groceries code adjudicator established, as the pastoral care of farmers in his diocese is important to him. The Government believe that the most effective way to handle this matter in a highly competitive market is to name and shame retailers who breach the code. However, if experience shows that negative publicity is insufficient, the Secretary of State will have reserve powers to allow the adjudicator to impose financial penalties. I know that the Commission recommended that we should have such financial penalties, but the Government believe that the most effective method of control is to go through the naming and shaming process and to see whether that works before resorting to fining.
Lord Avebury
My Lords, is my noble friend aware that many Members in another place who represent agricultural constituencies—primarily my honourable friend the Member for Ceredigion—have campaigned for some years for legislation along these lines to afford protection to agricultural producers against the abuse of monopoly power by large retailers? Would it not be wise therefore to take these interests into account and to press on with the Bill as rapidly as possible?
Baroness Wilcox
My Lords, we all agree that we wish to get this legislation through as quickly as we can. We have widespread cross-party support, and one retailer, Waitrose, already supports it, as do bodies representing suppliers, including farmers and third-world producers. However, as my noble friend knows, we have to go through the legislative process. If we can bring the Bill forward any earlier than we are aiming to do at the moment, then we certainly will, but there is a very full legislative programme and everyone thinks that what they have to do is extremely important. However, I fully agree with my noble friend and I, too, should like to see the legislation brought forward earlier.