§ 37. Mr. SpellarTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received regarding carriage charges by news wholesalers to newsagents; and what action he has taken. [21980]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansI have recently received a number of representations from Members of Parliament on behalf of newsagents, regarding increased carriage charges. I have also received representations from the National Federation of Retail Newsagents.
In the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's 1993 report on newspapers the commission reached no adverse findings in relation to carriage charges. Accordingly, I have no power to act.