§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to refer the consequences of the major dairy companies' refusal to submit bids in the July 1998 Milk Marque selling round to the MMC; and if she will make a statement. [52555]
§ Mr. Mandelson[holding answer 27 June 1998]: The Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT) asked the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (MMC) to investigate the supply of raw milk in Great Britain on 27 January 1998, under the monopoly provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973.
This is now a matter for the MMC. The reference enables the MMC to look at all relevant aspects of the supply of raw milk in England, Scotland and Wales, and it will take on board the actions of the parties to the latest selling round in its inquiry.
764WAny evidence that the dairy companies may have colluded in refusing to submit bids in Milk Marque's latest selling round may be a matter to be considered by the DGFT under the Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976. If the hon. Member has evidence of such collusion he should bring it to the attention of the DGFT at the following address:
- Mr. John Bridgeman
- Director General of Fair-Trading
- Office of Fair Trading
- Field House
- 15–25 Bream's Buildings
- LONDON
- EC4A 1PR.