HC Deb 01 March 1994 vol 238 c625W
Mr. Rooker

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to end the restrictions on supply of newspapers and magainzes by wholesalers to small retail outlets.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

Following the publication of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report on the supply of national newspapers in England and Wales on 9 December 1993, a statutory notice of the Secretary of State's intention to make an order under the Fair Trading Act 1973 in relation to the wholesale supply of national newspapers to retailers in England and Wales was published on 21 December. The MMC's report related only to the supply of national newspapers in England and Wales and the order would not therefore extend to the supply of magazines. A copy of the notice has been placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Spellar

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are his Department's proposals with regard to newspaper distribution.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

Following the publication of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's report on the supply of national newspapers in England and Wales on 9 December 1993, a statutory notice of the Secretary of State's intention to make an order under the Fair Trading Act 1973 in relation to the wholesale supply of national newspapers to retailers in England and Wales was published on 21 December. A copy of the notice has been placed in the Library of the House.

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