HC Deb 27 January 1997 vol 289 c23W
Mr. John Marshall

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will fund research into the role of competitive markets in fostering economic growth. [11113]

Mr. John M. Taylor

Open competitive markets enhance business efficiency and consumer choice, and it is for this reason that competition lies at the heart of the Government's economic policies. Relevant research, bearing on the relationship between competitive markets and economic growth, is being supported by the Economic and Social Research Council and is also undertaken by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.