Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs

HC Deb 29 July 1997 vol 299 cc224-5W

Mr. Redwood

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her letter to the right hon. Member for Wokingham on the views of the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs when in opposition, if such views are permitted to be expressed when they conflict with Government policy. [10460]

Mrs. Beckett

[holding answer 25 July 1997]: I shall not determine my policy on the issues currently being considered by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission in respect of the holiday travel trade until I have received the report and had a full opportunity to consider it. My hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Griffiths) had made it clear that he would approach the MMC report with an open mind, but he decided to stand aside from its consideration to ensure that the report would clearly be seen to be considered fairly.