HC Deb 10 March 1997 vol 292 cc34-5W
Mr. William O'Brien

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will instigate an inquiry into the unauthorised disclosure of information from within the Monopolies and Merger Commission in respect of the MMC inquiry into the electrical goods industry; [19569]

(2) what representations he has received from those employed in the electrical goods supply industry concerning the proposed inquiry by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission into the electrical goods industry; and if he will make a statement. [19573]

Mr. John M. Taylor

Representations were received in connection with the making of the references by the Director General of Fair Trading in 1995. The Secretary of State did not exercise his powers under section 50(6) of the Fair Trading Act 1973 to veto the references.

Representations have also been received concerning the conduct of the inquiry, and a possible leak of information about its progress: these are matters for the chairman of the MMC. I understand that the chairman is satisfied that there is no evidence to suggest that any member of the commission or its staff is responsible for leaking information about this inquiry.

Representations to the MMC about possible findings have in a few cases been copied to the DTI. It is not appropriate for Ministers to comment on matters under consideration by the MMC. Any representations should be made to the MMC, so that they may be considered before it reports to Ministers.