HC Deb 11 February 2004 vol 417 c1482W
Mr. Stephen O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much was spent by each of the Research Councils in each of the last six years. [152048]

Ms Hewitt

Please see the following table for a breakdown of spend by Research Council since 1997–98.

(2) when she anticipates the Office of Fair Trading will report on its inquiry into the operation of the supermarkets' voluntary code of practice. [153483]

Mr. Sutcliffe

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has had no discussions so far with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) on this issue, because they are carrying out an independent review of the statutory Code of Practice governing supermarkets' relations with their suppliers. The OFT is expected to conclude its review shortly. My right hon. Friend will then decide if any action is necessary.