§ Mr. Denzil DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 4 July,Official Report, column 177, what examination the Director General of Fair Trading has made in respect of companies in the retail grocery sector of (a) gross and net margins relative to overall retail margins in the United Kingdom and to retail grocery sector margins in other EC countries, (b) prices paid to suppliers, and (c) return on capital employed and on net assets, relative to the figures for the overall retail sector in the United Kingdom and for the retail grocery sector in other EC countries.
§ Mr. RedwoodIn keeping the retail grocery sector under review the director general has regard to all the factors set out by the right hon. Member. He last examined the position earlier this year. As I said in my answer of 4 July, he has no evidence at present of abuse that would justify a reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.