HC Deb 12 May 1983 vol 42 c403W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister for Trade if, in the light of recent concern about the continued growth of buying power by larger firms, he will make a further reference of this matter to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission under section 78 of the Fair Trading Act 1973.

Dr. Vaughan

The Commission's last investigation took nearly four years; its report "Discounts to Retailers" was published only two years ago. A further investigation of the same kind would not yet be justified, given the Commission's clear conclusion in 1981 that non-costrelated discounts had not in general operated against the public interest. But I continue to monitor developments closely.