Feeling the pinch.

The Competition Commission is worried to know if "Tesco, or any other supermarket, can get into such a strong position, either nationally or locally, that no other retailer can compete effectively".

In plain English, in its major inquiry into the grocery sector, it fears the stranglehold that the supermarkets may be able to exert.

Perhaps because Tesco is the strongest of the big four, campaigners have singled out the creation of "Tesco-towns" with larger Extra hypermarkets and smaller Express convenience stores to leave no gaps for smaller operators.

It would be idle to pretend that the big four supermarkets are not having the most marked effects in many directions - explaining why greengrocery stores are now in such short supply everywhere, why butchers, milkmen and petrol stations are feeling the pinch.

It is interesting that so far the commission - contrary to all general reckoning - finds that the supermarkets are not exacting better terms from suppliers than their competitors.

But we feel that we have not seen the last of concerns about the way supermarkets are hoovering up large amounts of profits, across the board, into relatively few hands.

On the cheap

IT is by no means the first time such an allegation has been made against this Government, it won't be the last. But today it is the Magistrates' Association that says the reform of the criminal justice system is being made in the interests of costs, not justice.

Just like the health service, the demands on the legal aid budget, for example, are greater than can be met. But it is a basic necessity, says Cindy Barnett, chairman of the Magistrates Association, and there is anger at the increased use of "cheaper punishments" such as fixed penalties and cautions.

The parallels with the NHS are obvious. The verdict must be that the Government needs to get its priorities right and deliver on important services.

FINALLY, the National Lootery that surrounds the stricken MCS Napoli and the people who helped themselves to goods and then had the cheek to sell them on eBay is a national disgrace.

These are not "beachcombers" they are "thieves".