§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to encourage genuine competition between different food retailers.
§ Mr. GummerMy policy is to locate retail development in or near town centres where the proximity of competing businesses facilitates competition from which consumers can benefit.
The market place remains the main stimulus to competition. Through planning policy guidance notes Nos. 6 and 13, competition is being encouraged to take place in a way that reinforces rather than undermines the vitality and viability of existing town centres.