HC Deb 31 January 1989 vol 146 cc196-7W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will refer supermarket profit levels to(a) the Office of Fair Trading or (b) the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.

Mr. Maude

No. It falls to the Director General of Fair Trading to monitor commercial activities under the competition legislation for which he is responsible. He published a review of developments in competition in retailing in June 1985, and continues to keep the matter under close review. If the hon. Member has evidence to suggest that supermarket profit levels indicate that competition in that particular market is being restricted or distorted, he should bring it to the attention of the director general.