§ 13. Mr. StottTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he proposes to take to tackle any possible overcharging for non-alcoholic drinks.
§ Mr. RedwoodAction is already in hand to ensure effective competition in wholesale supplies to retailers. Tenants of the major brewers have been free since 1 May to buy non-alcoholic drinks from the most competitive supplier. The supply of carbonated soft drinks was also referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on 25 April.
The retail margin is however determined by the individual retailer. Consumers who feel they are charged too much have the ultimate sanction of taking their custom elsewhere.