Written question asked by Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 March 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 March 2000. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 March 2000 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 account he took of the potential for conflict of interest in deciding on an organisation to carry out a survey into international price comparisons.

Answer: Mr. Campbell-Savours: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what account he took of the potential for conflict of interest in deciding on an organisation to carry out a survey into international price comparisons. [114078] Dr. Howells: AC Nielsen were chosen to carry out the survey into international price comparisons following a competitive bidding process in full accordance with EC procurement legislation. In choosing them the Department took full account of the fact that they, like all market research companies, work for businesses that produce branded goods.

Secondary information