HC Deb 19 November 1973 vol 864 cc942-3
21. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will list the unfair trade practices which he is initially proposing to ban or curb in accordance with his new powers under the Fair Trading Act.

Sir G. Howe

Under the Fair Trading Act 1973 it is the function of the Director General of Fair Trading to make any such proposals.

Mr. Janner

Do the Minister's functions under the Act include the passing of matters to the Director General? Can the Minister indicate which practices the Director General is considering and whether they include the practice of double pricing?

Sir G. Howe

The Director General has been in office for less than three weeks. It is plain that he is still surveying and drawing together the various matters which he will be considering. It is for him—and it is important that this should be said—to set out his new pattern of priorities in the new and important office which he holds.