§ Mr. Bill O'BrienTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what public consultations she has held in respect of the future of the recommended retail price scheme; and if she will make a statement. [4601]
Mr. GriffithsMy right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has held no public consultations in respect of the future of the recommended retail price scheme.
The Government plans, as part of its reform of competition law, to replace the Resale Prices Act 1976 with a tough prohibition approach to deal with anti-competitive agreements, practices and behaviour. There will be a consultation process over the summer before a Competition Bill is introduced in the autumn.