The Earl of Haddingtonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they have taken, or intend to take, to evaluate and compare the price charged by high street opticians with those charged in other European 68WA countries for the identical products for the supply of—(a) contact lenses; (b) spectacle lenses; and (c) spectacle frames; whether they propose to ask the Office of Fair Trading to investigate any price fixing or minimum sale pricing operated by United Kingdom suppliers or dispensers; and, if so when. [HL2453]
§ The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Simon of Highbury)The Department of Trade and Industry's survey of international price comparisons will be looking at products which are representative of UK consumers' spending, and which are readily available in other countries so that meaningful price comparisons can be made. It is not possible at this time to say whether contact lenses or spectacles will be covered by the study.
Under UK competition legislation, responsibility for monitoring markets and considering allegations of anti-competitive behaviour, abuse of monopoly position or restrictive trade practices lies with the Director General of Fair Trading. If anyone has evidence of price fixing or other anti-competitive practices concerning the supply of contact lenses, spectacle lenses or spectacle frames, they should bring this to the attention of the Director General so that he can investigate.