§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with the Director General of Fair Trading relating to potential monopolistic behaviour amongst the four leading supermarkets. [56356]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 26 October 1998]: Since taking up current Ministerial posts, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not met the Director General of Fair Trading, whilst I have met him twice. My right hon. Friend and I are aware of the Office of Fair Trading investigation into the profitability of the major supermarkets in the grocery sector. The Director General exercises his powers independently of Ministers. I have not raised the matter of potential monopolistic behaviour amongst the four leading supermarkets with him.