§ Mr. Ryderasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will list measures to encourage competition being considered by his Department.
§ Mr. TebbitAs the Department responsible for competition policy it is one of the continuing functions of my Department to encourage measures to promote competition, and not only in areas within its own direct responsibility. So far as my Department's particular responsibilities are concerned, the aim to promote competition plays a part not only in the execution of my responsibilities under the Fair Trading and Competition Acts, but in the formulation of policy in such areas as the nationalised industries for which I am responsible, telecommunications, small firms and the EC internal market, as well as in the consideration of matters such as the reviews by Professor Gower of investor protection and Dr. Nicholson of intellectual property rights.