§ Mr. LetwinTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will ensure that the MMC inquiry into the milk market will investigate margins and returns earned by major dairy firms. [33739]
§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsThe reference into the supply of raw milk in Great Britain was made by the Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT) under the Fair Trading Act 1973. He asked the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (MMC) to investigate because of concerns he has about the competitiveness of the milk market in Great Britain. The reference was framed by the DGFT to enable the MMC to look at all aspects of the supply of raw milk in England, Wales and Scotland. It is for the MMC to decide what factors they will take into consideration in the course of their inquiry, within the framework of the reference.
The hon. Member should submit his views on margins and returns earned by major dairies to the MMC (The Reference Secretary, Milk), MMC, New Court, Carey Street, London WC2A 2JT.