§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the role of the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe in relation to(a) oil industry and (b) brewing industry issues in the Competition Bill [Lords]. [26390]
§ Mrs. Beckett[holding answer 30 January 1998]: The Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield (Mr. McCartney), the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs and I have policy responsibility for the Competition Bill. The Minister for Trade and Competition in Europe is the Minister responsible for the passage of the Bill through the House of Lords. The Bill applies to the economy at large, including the sectors referred to in the question.