Auction mart demise a threat to farmers
15 May 1998
Auction mart demise — a ‘threat to farmers’
A CONTINUING decline in the numbers of auction marts is a threat to farmers,a new report warns.
The study, produced for Colin Breed, Lib-Dem consumer affairs spokesman, warns that demise of the marts could result in the destruction of local economies and national food industries.
Lewis McGill, chairman of auctioneers John Swan & Sons, said the trend would continue.
The Institute of Auctioneers believes farmers would be the ultimate losers ifthere were a lack of competition in the live mart system because that would playinto the hands of the multiple grocery chains.
The report calls for a parliamentary select committee investigation of food retailing in the UK, with particular emphasis on supermarkets and their suppliers and the appointment of a retail regulator.
- MP urges curbs on supermarkets power, FWi, yesterday (14 May) — Click here
- The Scotsman 15/05/98 page 30