Demand for inquiry into wool prices

The new supermarket ombudsman faces the “first major test” of her powers, according to the Liberal Democrat president Tim Farron, who has demanded an inquiry into the wool market. He says some breeders are getting only 50p a fleece, which can mean a loss of £1 a sheep after shearing and transport.

Upland farmers can earn just £6,000 a year, while the retail price of wool products is soaring. Mr Farron has written to Christine Tacon, the Groceries Code Adjudicator, alerting her to the issue. He told The Independent that “rural communities need to know that her organisation has teeth”.

A spokesman for Ms Tacon said she can only conduct a “small number” of inquiries.