Groceries Code Adjudicator

That is exactly the sort of information that I would expect the adjudicator to consider. If such a report or study gave the adjudicator cause for concern, it would be a reason for it to investigate. The adjudicator will publish guidance on the code and make recommendations to retailers on improving adherence to it. It will also have to publish an annual report summarising its activities; that will include monitoring and commenting on compliance with the code. My hon. Friend the Member for South Staffordshire raised the question of anonymity for complainants, as did others. I make it absolutely clear that the adjudicator will be able to deal with complaints confidentially. That is an important provision; suppliers can be confident that retailers will not be able to retaliate by discriminating against them, as their identities will be protected. The adjudicator will have a duty to protect suppliers' identities, and will need to consider whether any of its actions could jeopardise matters before proceeding. Another issue raised during the debate was whether the groceries code adjudicator would have teeth. I believe that the code will help the adjudicator to impose the necessary sanctions on retailers guilty of breaching it. The initial sanctions include the naming and shaming of individual retailers, and I believe that the ensuing negative publicity will be an effective deterrent. In a highly competitive market, retailers will not want to risk customers going elsewhere in protest at their shoddy behaviour towards suppliers. However, I make it clear that the draft Bill will include a reserve power for the Government to introduce financial penalties if experience shows that recommendations and negative publicity do not work.