HC Deb 01 May 2003 vol 404 c456W
Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the prospects for the retail sector. [110640]

Mr. Timms

Although the Department has not specifically estimated the future prospects for the retail sector, we fully recognise the importance of the industry and are working closely with it, through the formation of a Retail Strategy Group, to identify and address the key issues affecting its productivity and competitiveness.