Written question asked by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 3 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what advice she has received from the Office of Fair Trading regarding advice for local authorities on minimum pricing schemes in licensed premises; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what advice she has received from the Office of Fair Trading regarding advice for local authorities on minimum pricing schemes in licensed premises; and if she will make a statement. [196767] Mr. Caborn: Advice was taken from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in the preparation of the guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 to licensing authorities, which was published in July 2003. Their advice was reflected in paragraph 7.79 of the guidance (available at www.culture.gov.uk http:// www.culture.gov.uk ) and includes "The promotion of price fixing or the creation of cartels is unlawful, and there would also be serious risks of breaching competition law." We understand that the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit and the Home Office have also consulted the OFT about this issue in connection with the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 426 c961W;426 c965W; 196767
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Alcoholic drinks Competition Licensed premises Office of Fair Trading Prices
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk