§ Ann ClwydTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received regarding predatory pricing of national newspapers. [37424]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyThe Department has received a number of representations relating to complaints about pricing practices in the newspaper industry, and about the amendment to the Competition Bill relating to newspapers which was passed in the other place. These representations have been from members of the public, newspaper undertakings, and Members of both Houses. It is for the Director General of Fair Trading to consider specific complaints about anti-competitive practices. In relation to the Competition Bill, the Government have made clear their view that the amendment accepted in the other place is unnecessary and unworkable.