§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with ice cream manufacturers, other than Birds Eye Walls, concerning the decision of his Department not to implement the Competition Commission's recommendations against direct distribution; and for what reasons he rejected this recommendation. [116829]
§ Dr. HowellsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced on 28 January that it was a drastic step to prevent a company from distributing its own products and he was not convinced that the Commission's remedy was necessary. He has not had discussions with any ice cream manufacturers concerning this decision.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the recommendations of the Competition Commission in relation to the Birds Eye Walls ice cream inquiry, which he(a) has rejected and (b) will only partially implement, indicating the reason in each case. [116755]
§ Dr. HowellsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has accepted undertakings from Birds Eye Walls in line with the interim measures recommended by the Competition Commission. No other final decisions have been taken with regard to the remedies recommended by the Competition Commission.
My right hon. Friend will announce his decisions as soon as possible.