§ Mr. Robert BanksTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations have taken place with his Department and representatives from newspaper wholesalers and retailers as part of the follow-up action resulting from the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the supplies of national newpapers in England and Wales.
§ Mr. Neil HamiltonA wide range of representations were submitted during the period for written representations on my Department's proposals following this report. I and my officials have subsequently held discussions with representative parties from the industry, including publishers, wholesalers and both existing and aspiring retailers, to discuss the terms of a statutory order and the possible alternative of an industry code of practice. I shall announce my decision as soon as possible.