The major supermarkets in Pembrokeshire are refusing to reveal how much local produce they are stocking.

Three out of four of the major stores would not answer repeated probes into their stocking policy put to them by Simon Hart, South Pembrokeshire's Conservative Parliamentary candidate.

Given six months to answer repeated inquiries, only one of the chains partially answered the questions. "I asked some straightforward questions about their policies for stocking produce that comes from within the county and only the Co-Op was prepared to give any sort of an answer," said Mr. Hart. "The Co-Op told me that they are making strenuous efforts to stock more local produce and that it is their intention wherever possible to stock food with the lowest food miles, but that they have less shelf space than the major supermarkets." However, Tesco, Morrisons and Safeway failed to answer any of the questions. "I am disappointed by the apparent lack of commitment to local producers shown by the major supermarkets," added Mr. Hart.

"They spend multi-millions on adverts that give the impression that they support local farmers and suppliers, but by ignoring numerous requests for simple information the question remains as to whether their 'commitment' is simply window dressing."