Written question asked by Baroness Browning (Conservative) on Monday, 8 November 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 November 1999. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Thursday, 11 November 1999 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what the terms of reference are for the Director General of Fair Trading's review of petrol undertakings; when the review will be completed; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mrs. Browning: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the terms of reference are for the Director General of Fair Trading's review of petrol undertakings; when the review will be completed; and if he will make a statement. [98233] Dr. Howells: The Director General of Fair Trading has a duty under section 2 of the Fair Trading Act 1973 to keep under review the carrying on of commercial activities in the United Kingdom. Pursuant to these duties, he is reviewing the informal undertakings given in 1966 by petrol wholesalers to establish whether there is a case for removing, altering or retaining the remaining undertakings. The timing of this review is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading.

Secondary information