§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received(a) during 1995 and (b) since 1 January alleging that certain fuel suppliers are (i) practising selective price support in favour of company-owned sites and (ii) discriminating against independent dealers through allegedly uncompetitive contracts; what representations have urged him to refer this matter to the Director General of Fair Trading; and if he will make a statement. [20214]
Mr. John M. TaylorMy Department has received a number of representations on behalf of independent retailers during 1995 and this year regarding the pricing policies of fuel suppliers. These have been brought to the attention of the Director General of Fair Trading, who has responsibility for investigating allegations of anti-competitive behaviour or abuse of monopoly power. The Office of Fair Trading investigated these complaints, which included some concerned with Esso's pilot pricewatch campaign, and concluded that action under competition legislation was not appropriate. However, the Office of Fair Trading will continue to monitor the market.