HC Deb 18 November 1997 vol 301 c107W
Mr. Paterson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many(a) tobacconist shops and (b) public houses will be affected by the Competition Bill. [163541

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

Agreements which fulfil the criteria for exemption under European block exemption regulations, including those relating to beer tie agreements and exclusive distribution, will be automatically exempt from the prohibition of anti-competitive agreements.

The Competition Bill will apply to agreements or conduct which are anti-competitive.