§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the Office of Fair Trading conclusion that discounts available to the larger multiples are helpful; and what assessment he makes of the impact of these arrangements on competitive influence from these markets.
§ Mr. FletcherI refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Brandon-Bravo) on 28 June al column510.
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has as to the value of discounts enjoyed by the larger grocery multiples; and how this compares with the position five years ago.
§ Mr. FletcherThis issue is discussed in chapter 4 of the Director General's report. Table 27 provides statistical information on the value of special terms negotiated by manufacturers with customers of different size arid compares these statistics with corresponding figures in the MMC report published in 1981. In addition, customers will receive discounts related to cost savings on the part of manufacturers.