§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he has had discussions with representatives of supermarkets on a voluntary code of conduct on price discounting; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what representations he has received regarding discriminatory discounts in the food industry from the retail consortium and representatives of supermarkets, respectively; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FletcherI and my colleagues are in regular contact with all sectors of the retail trade, as is the Director-General of Fair Trading. I have received many representations on the subject of discounts, and have held discussions with, among others, representatives of the smaller independent retailers and of the food and drink manufacturers. I have had no representations on this subject from the retail consortium as such, though I am aware of the differing views and interests of its membership. I have in the last few days received a request from a multiple grocery retailer for a meeting to discuss this issue, and I look forward to doing so.