§ Mr. Roger KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether it is his intention to publish simultaneously the two reports by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the supply of new cars and the supply of new car parts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry received the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the supply of new cars on 31 October and is currently considering it. The report will be published as soon as is practicable. The M MC's report on the supply of new car parts will be received on 20 December; that also will be published as soon as is practicable. I cannot comment at this stage on whether the two reports will be published simultaneously.
The content of all MMC reports remain confidential until publication. If the MMC find no adverse effects the Secretary of State has no power to act. If the MMC have reached any adverse findings he will decide what steps, if any, should be taken to remedy the situation. He will also consider whether or not to announce a period of consultation before reaching his conclusions.