§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he will refer to the Director General of Fair Trading the 10 per cent buyers' premium charged by Messrs. Christie's and Sotheby's at their auction sales; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John FraserI understand that the Director General of Fair Trading is aware of the concern expressed on this matter and has exercised a statutory power available to him under section 36 of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976, requiring Christie's and Sotheby's to inform him whether they are party to any agreement relating to the matter and, if so, to furnish to him particulars of the agreement.