HC Deb 19 December 1988 vol 144 cc18-9W
Mr. Marlow

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will refer to the Office of Fair Trading the practice of the art auction houses of charging a buyer's premium; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Forth

Under United Kingdom competition legislation the Director General of Fair Trading has the primary responsibility for keeping commercial activities under review and he has discretionary powers to investigate practices which may prevent, restrict or distort competition in the supply of goods and services in the United Kingdom. If my hon. Friend has evidence that the practice which he refers to is anti-competitive he should bring it to the attention of the director general.