§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection when the industrial
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§ Mr. John FraserThe information is as follows:
fastener industry was referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission; how far this referral has progressed; and when the Commission's report is expected.
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§ Mr. John FraserThe reference was made by the Director General of Fair Trading on 14th October 1976. The Commission is due to report by 14th October 1978. The conduct of investigations is a matter for the Commission, but I understand that difficulties have arisen over definition of some of the products concerned and that the Director General is considering whether to vary the original reference in order to clarify its terms.