NEWS AND MAGAZINE WHOLESALE REFORM

That this House supports the call of the Association of News Retailers for the Office of Fair Trading (OFT)to undertake a full investigation into the supply of news and magazines to retailers; believes there is clear evidence that the OFT criteria for a market review, which include consumer harm, restricted and distorted competition between wholesalers due to absolute territorial protection and a high degree of publisher control over the industry have been met; and urges the OFT to recommend a full market review and for the issue to be debated in Parliament at the next available opportunity.