HC Deb 20 July 1989 vol 157 c269W
41. Mr. Kilfedder

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will set up an inquiry into the high cost of bread in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Maude

Under United Kingdom competition legislation it falls to the Director General of Fair Trading to keep commercial activities in the United Kingdom under review. The director general's office has considered the competitive situation in the retail sale of bread in Northern Ireland, and has taken into account the report of the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland on the price of a large loaf in Northern Ireland published on 29 June, but does not consider that formal action under the competition legislation is warranted. If the hon. Member has any evidence of monopoly abuse, anticompetitive or restrictive trade practices he should draw it to the attention of the Director General of Fair Trading.