HC Deb 14 March 2000 vol 346 cc121-2W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for further research into international price comparisons. [114077]

Dr. Howells

The international price comparisons survey published on 13 February 2000 was the first time the Government have tried to compare UK prices with those in America and other European countries. My officials shall be discussing with the Office of Fair Trading, retail groups, and consumer groups the lessons that can be learned and how we develop this research in the future.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations his Department had with consumer organisations on the range of products to be included in the AC Nielsen survey into international price comparisons. [114076]

Dr. Howells

There were no consultations with consumer organisations on the range of products to be included in the international price comparisons survey. This was determined in close consultation with the contractor to ensure it reflected current consumer expenditure patterns.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what response the Government have made to the Dresdner Kleinwort Benson report into international supermarket prices. [114081]

Dr. Howells

Many organisations regularly produce international comparisons of supermarket prices. While taking an interest in these, the Government do not respond on an individual basis.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what account he took of the potential for conflict of interest in deciding on an organisation to carry out a survey into international price comparisons. [114078]

Dr. Howells

AC Nielsen were chosen to carry out the survey into international price comparisons following a competitive bidding process in full accordance with EC procurement legislation. In choosing them the Department took full account of the fact that they, like all market research companies, work for businesses that produce branded goods.