§ Mr. Goodhewasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will make a statement on the compettive effects of the practices of tie-in sales and full-line forcing.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimThe practices of tie-in sales, where sales of one product or service are tied to the sales of another, and full-line forcing, where dealers are forced to carry a full line of products in order to keep the supplier's business, were referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on 17 April 1979. The reference is a general reference under section 78(1) of the Fair Trading Act 1973 requiring the commission to submit a report on the general effect on the public interest of the said practices. The commission is not empowered to take action on individual complaints. There is no time limit for the investigation. The conduct of its inquiry is a matter for the commission, but I understand that it is proceeding with its investigation and would welcome any evidence of such practices.