Derek McDowell (Labour)

The order should be retained. It is a necessary guarantee of protection against the abuse of a dominant position by large supermarket chains. While it would be nice if ordinary competition were to regulate these matters, the fact is that if an organisation has deep pockets, it is in a position to sell below cost and remove competitors. That is an abusive position and so the order should be retained.

It seems strange the Minister of State is seeking to amend legislation he is not sure will be retained. However, I will let that pass.