§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will make a statement on the effect on fair trade of the freezer monopoly in the ice cream industry;
(2) what advice is given to small and medium-sized ice cream makers seeking to sell their products to high street retailers and corner shops; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what is his response to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report on the Wall's freezer monopoly in the ice cream industry.
§ Mr. Neil HamiltonThe Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report on the supply in the United Kingdom of ice cream for immediate consumption was published on 29 March. The MMC has concluded that, although scale230W and complex monopoly situations exist in the industry, the practice of freezer exclusivity does not operate against the public interest. The Government have announced that, since the MMC have made no adverse findings, there is no action which can be taken on the report. Ice cream makers and retailers operate in a competitive environment and can choose how best to meet the needs of their customers.