DEFRA man skews code poll

A DEFRA EMPLOYEE has sparked controversy after influencing a website poll on the supermarket code.

The website poll, conducted by campaign organisation Farm, asked: “Do you think the supermarket code of conduct is a waste of time without legislation to enforce it?”

Almost immediately, the poll was holding steady at 96% in agreement, but the “no” vote suddenly increased dramatically to 38%.

Smelling a rat, Farm asked its website provider to look into the issue, and it turned out that 30 “no” votes came from DEFRA‘s Central Science Laboratory in York.

Robert Alderson, Farm coordinator, said: “Why is the CSL, an executive agency of DEFRA, sabotaging the Farm website poll – especially a poll on supermarket influence?

“Are we witnessing a graphic demonstration of the extent of supermarket influence within the government and its agencies?”

But according to Robert Bolton, commercial director at CSL the explanation was less dramatic.

“A not very computer-savvy employee had indeed clicked repeatedly on the poll, but without intending to take part in it,” said Mr Bolton.