§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Employment what use has been made of section 79 of the Fair Trading Act 1973 relating to restrictive labour practices and their reference in certain circumstances to the Monopolies and Merger Commission.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection, who is responsible for the Fair Trading Act 1973, that no reference has been made under section 79 of the Act. The Government's view is that in general the best way to deal with any working practice, either in a particular establishment or in an industry, is for those360W directly concerned in the area where the practice occurs to deal with the matter by discussion and negotiation.