Alternattiva Demokratika is proposing the appointment of a regulator to ensure that the monopoly in grain imports was not abused.

In a statement, AD spokesman for social and economic development Michael Briguglio said the regulator, who would be independent of the government, should also ensure that there would be no collusion between bakers and bread retailers, especially supermarkets.

He hoped that now that the price of bread was liberalised, all possible measures would be taken to ensure that its price did not increase without justification.

Mr Briguglio appealed to the government to help increase bakers' efficiency, as was permissible by EU rules.

AD chairman Arnold Cassola said that in these times of social and economic hardship, all possible measures should be taken to ensure that social inequality was not increased.

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