WITH regard to Premium Foods plc reportedly demanding payment from manufacturers in order to get on to their preferred list of suppliers, this shows the rapacious face of large conglomerates.

Purely from a layman’s viewpoint, it would seem Premier Foods are demanding a “bribe” prior to suppliers being allowed to tender for work.

If the said suppliers do pay the bribe/fee, are they then liable to be hauled before the courts by the competition watchdog?

It seems a very strange situation although, as supermarkets are allegedly allowed to charge suppliers for the “privilege” of having first refusal on specific areas within the supermarket, is this simply another method of obtaining unearned income to enhance the “bottom line” but give no benefit to the consumer?

BARRY BURTON, Fareham.