§ Mr. Ryderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will list measures to encourage competition being considered by his Department.
§ Mr. ButlerOpportunities to develop separate initiatives on competition in Northern Ireland are limited, but measures taken by Departments in Great Britain are, 475W when appropriate, applied. I have, however, asked Northern Ireland Departments to examine the potential for local measures to encourage competition in such areas as public sector purchasing and energy provision and to see whether there are areas where Government's regulatory activities may restrict or discourage competition.