Oral Answers to Questions

Mark Durkan Excerpts

Thursday 15th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Norman Lamb]

The adjudicator will have powers of investigation. On the question of fines, there will be a reserve power in the Bill. However, the Government take the view that the other powers, particularly the power to name and shame supermarkets, should be sufficient to have a significant effect on behaviour. If they do not have that effect, there will be the reserve power to introduce fines.

[Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP)]

Will the Minister ensure that when the Bill emerges, it has the necessary legislative consent motion from the Northern Ireland Assembly, so that it can apply across the jurisdiction?

[Norman Lamb]

I will certainly look into ensuring that it does.