§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what factors underlay the conclusions contained in his report, UK Competitiveness Indicators 1999, that United Kingdom consumers show more inertia and are generally less demanding than in other countries with similar income levels; and if he will make a statement. [106520]
§ Dr. HowellsOur White Paper "Modern Markets: Confident Consumers" (Cm 4410) sets out how knowledgeable and assertive consumers can spur businesses to compete and innovate, thereby leading to better quality and lower prices. The White Paper contains a series of policies to drive this virtuous circle between consumer demand and business performance. The competitiveness indicators will provide a means of tracking our success vis a vis our leading competitors.
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