HC Deb 19 September 2002 vol 390 cc188-9W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent action she has taken with the competition authorities to ensure that a free and open market between fuel suppliers operates within the UK petrol retail industry; and if she will make a statement. [73236]

Miss Melanie Johnson

Under UK competition legislation the Director General of Fair Trading is responsible for monitoring markets and investigating allegations of anti-competitive behaviour.

The Director General has investigated the petrol retail industry a number of times in recent years and has found it to be competitive. He has said that he will continue to monitor the market closely.