HC Deb 25 April 2002 vol 384 cc389-90W
Ms Atherton

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she plans to investigate the effects on competition and the potential monopolies created by the growth of pub chains. [51512]

Miss Melanie Johnson

In his review of the Beer Orders in 2000, the Director-General of Fair Trading found no evidence to warrant a monopoly reference of the pub chains to the Competition Commission. The Director-General has pledged that he will continue to be vigilant in his pursuit of anti-competitive practices in the industry.