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The Chief Minister has told Tynwald that the Manx Government first heard about the Shoprite / Tesco deal at 10:30am on the morning the news broke.

 

In an answer to urgent Tynwald Questions, Alfred Cannan told the Court that they had received a telephone call just a few hours before the announcement was made at lunctime on October 9th.

 

Mr Cannan defended the process as he told Members that commercial negotiations are sensitive and that it would not be normal for a business to discuss such negotiations with Governments.

 

He went on to say that he had met with Tesco officials prior to the sitting of Tynwald and was optimistic about the opportunities and commitments that Tesco had made. He also said that the Department for Enterprise would be ready to assist local producers meet the standards required to become a Tesco supplier.

 

Dr Alex Allinson said that although there were concerns, the deal represented some positives for consumers with Tesco's "Aldi price match" being available on many products which would benefit people on lower incomes.

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