§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what consideration has been given to the implications on the soft drinks industry of the findings of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the supply of carbonated soft drinks;
(2) what representations he has received on the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the supply of carbonated soft drinks;
(3) when he expects to publish the findings of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the supply of carbonated soft drinks;
(4) what period of consultation he will give the drinks industry and other interested parties after publication of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the supply of carbonated soft drinks.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report on carbonated drinks is currently being considered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. The report will be published as quickly as is practicable.
The contents of all MMC reports remain confidential until publication. If the MMC finds no adverse effects the Secretary of State has no power to act. If the MMC has 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.
324WThe Secretary of State does not receive representations before an MMC report has been published. Interested parties have had the opportunity to put views directly to the MMC. The Secretary of State's decision is based on the full examination and analysis contained in the MMC report. It would be inappropriate for his view to be influenced by representations from particular interest groups, since, while the report remains confidential, he is unable to seek views of others on the same points.
§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people are employed in the United Kingdom soft drinks industry.
§ Mr. RedwoodLatest published figures show that employment in the United Kingdom soft drinks manufacturing industry (SIC 4283) was 17,400 in September 1989.