Large Loaves

HC Deb 12 July 1989 vol 156 cc553-4W

Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will investigate the effects of the linkage between Stewarts and Crazy Prices in Northern Ireland and Associated British Foods-Allied Bakeries on the price of large loaves in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Maude

I have been asked to reply.

Under United Kingdom competition legislation, it falls to the Director-General of Fair Trading to keep commercial activities in the United Kingdom under review. The director general's office has considered the competitive situation in the retail sale of bread in Northern Ireland including the operating relationship between Associated British Foods-Allied Bakers and Stewarts and Crazy Prices, and has taken into account the report of the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, published on 29 June, on the price of a large loaf in Northern Ireland. The director general does not consider that formal action under the competition legislation is warranted. If the hon. Member has any evidence of monopoly abuse, anti-competitive or restrictive trade practices he should draw it to the attention of the Director General of Fair Trading.

Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to ensure genuine competition in the retail sale of large loaves in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Maude

I have been asked to reply.

Under United Kingdom competition legislation it falls to the Director General of Fair Trading to keep commercial activities in the United Kingdom under review. The director general's office has considered the competitive situation in the retail sale of bread in Northern Ireland, and has taken into account the report of the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, published on 29 June, on the price of a large loaf in Northern Ireland but does not consider that formal action under the competition legislation is warranted. If the hon. Member has any evidence of monopoly abuse, anticompetitive or restrictive trade practices he should draw it to the attention of the Director General of Fair Trading.