HC Deb 13 December 1982 vol 34 cc41-2W
Mr. Hardy

asked the Minister for Trade if he will ask the Director General of Fair Trading to investigate the margins in and structure of the margarine industry, with a view to possible reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.

Dr. Vaughan

This can be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission either by the Director General of Fair Trading or the Secretary of State. The Director

United Kingdom Coal Imports
January-September 1981 January-September 1982
Tonnes Average Value (£/tonne) Tonnes Average Value (£ cif/tonne)
Total of which consigned from: 3,148,266 34.74 3,385,505 44.02
USA 1,233,335 34.70 1,689,735 39.08
Australia 1,562,049 30.91 914,180 38.37
Federal Republic of Germany 84,066 78.90 232,962 86.42
Poland 68,460 38.44 200,854 40.60
Netherlands 35,287 49.10 101,263 52.38
South Africa 58,142 44.91 38,054 48.12
Spain 93,600 40.46
Sweden 77,180 34.29 2,300 83.27

General of Fair Trading has no plans to make a reference at present, and nor do we. If the hon. Member has reasons to think an investigation is necessary perhaps he would put them forward.

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