§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he proposes to take to protect consumers from the effects of predatory pricing activities by low-cost airlines; and if he will make a statement. [94708]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 19 October 1999]Responsibility for ensuring competition laws are not broken lies with the competition authorities, the Office of Fair Trading within the UK or the European Commission for activities which affect trade between member states. I look to these bodies to ensure fair competition, and for those with concerns to put them to the competition authorities for investigation.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will set up an independent inquiry into predatory pricing activities by low-cost airlines. [94709]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 19 October 1999]We have no such plans. However, if my hon. Friend has any evidence of predatory pricing activities he should bring it to the attention of the competent authorities. In the UK this is the Director General of Fair Trading, and for activities which affect trade between member states it is the European Commission.