§ Mr. Proudfootasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in view of the recommendations of the Bolton Committee, he will consider referring to the Monopolies Commission the question of the market power exercised by large firms through their buying policies, and the possible damage to the competitive structure of industry through discrimination against small firms which results from it.
§ Mr. RidleyYes, I am considering carefully this recommendation by the Bolton Committee.
§ Mr. Proudfootasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in view of the recommendations of the Bolton Committee, he will take steps to encourage the setting up of informal advisory bureaux to utilise the experience and knowledge of retired executives.
§ Mr. RidleyIn his speech in the House on 3rd November, my right hon. Friend undertook to give further careful and sympathetic study to the Bolton Committee Report. The recommendations on setting up Small Firms Advisory Bureaux and utilising the experience of retired executives will be fully considered in the course of that study.