HC Deb 13 November 1985 vol 86 cc190-1W
Mr. Ashdown

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give such information as is available to him regarding the latest figures for the breakdown in percentage terms within the retail grocery sector for (a) major multiples, (b) other multiples, (c) independent stores and (d) co-operatives.

Mr. Butcher

The latest available official information is as follows:

Shares of retail sales of groceries and provisions, 1982
Per cent.
Multiple retailers with 100 or more outlets* 44
Other multiple retailers* 25
Single outlet retailers* 19
Co-operative societies 12
* Excluding co-operative societies.

Source: Retailing Inquiry 1982.

Information for 1984 based on independent surveys is given in the Office of Fair Trading report "Competition and retailing".