§ Sir Brandon Rhys Williamsasked the Prime Minister if she will publish figures showing the total United Kingdom costs of Government support for housing costs in each year since 1979–80, distinguishing between each of the following: (a) rent rebates and allowances with 504W preclude Ilkeston Co-operative Society from marketing package holidays at discounted prices may be in breach of the Competition Act 1980; what action he proposes to take in response to such representations; and if he will snake a statement.
§ Mr. FletcherMy right hon. Friend has not received any such representations recently. However, the supply of package holidays by tour operators through travel agents and the related question of discounts are currently being investigated by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission following a monopoly reference made by the Director General of Fair Trading under the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973. The Competition Act 1980 does not of itself make practices unlawful, but gives the director general powers to conduct an investigation following which he may consider whether to make a reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.