§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he made prior to formulating his investor protection policy as it relates to the users of (a) commodity markets in general and (b) to the terminal coffee market of the costs likely to arise to the markets and the implications for their international competitiveness; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FletcherThe proposals for investor protection, described in the White paper "Financial Services in the United Kingdom" (Cmnd. 9432), are designed to promote the efficiency and competitiveness of the financial services sector, within a regulatory framework which inspires confidence in investors. These objectives apply to the regulation of business in all investments, which will include coffee and other commodity futures. Costs will be minimised because the system of self regulation within a statutory framework will allow the detailed rules to take account of the differing needs of the various types of investment and of the interests of investors and traders.