§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer to the Competition Commission the impact on retail newsagents of W. H. Smith's proposal to extend their newspaper and magazine wholesale operation. [138291]
§ Dr. HowellsUnder UK competition legislation, it is for the Director General of Fair Trading to investigate allegations of anti-competitive behaviour and if appropriate make a reference to the Competition Commission under the Fair Trading Act 1973 or take action under the Competition Act 1998.
674WThe Director General is aware of proposals by W. H. Smith to change distribution arrangements for magazines. He is monitoring developments and will consider any evidence of anti-competitive behaviour.
§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade if he will discuss with the Competition the operation of its proposed code of respect of the relationship between and suppliers with regard to newspapers and magazines. [138290]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Competition Commission has no role in implementing any remedies it recommends.
The Director General of Fair Trading has been asked to approach those supermarket chains with 8 per cent. or more of the market to agree a Code of Practice concerning relations between supermarkets and suppliers which would meet the concerns identified by the Competition Commission. This process is ongoing.