§ Mr. Severasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether he will announce his decision on the application from the British Reinforcement Manufacturers' Association for exemption under section 29 of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976 of its scheme for the supply of cut-and-bent steel reinforcing bars.
§ Mr. John FraserMy right hon. Friend has considered an application under section 29 of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976 for exemption from registration of a proposed agreement between members of the British Reinforcement Manufacturers' Association relating to the supply of cut-and-bent reinforcing bars. He is required to take into account any effects which an agreement is likely to have on purchasers and users and the views of organisations representing purchasers and users of the products covered by the scheme were therefore sought. My right hon. Friend has concluded that the scheme does not meet the criteria set out in section 29 of the Act and in particular he is not satisfied that the agreement is on balance expedient in the national interest. He has therefore decided not to approve the application for exemption from registration. I have informed the British Reinforcement Manufacturers' Association of this decision.