To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment he has made of likely levels of competition within the newspaper and magazine wholesale distribution market in the period up to autumn 2009. (273408)

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has undertaken a detailed examination of newspaper and magazine distribution arrangements over a period of several years. In October 2008, the OFT issued a final opinion providing guidance to industry on the compatibility of those arrangements with competition law. At the same time, the OFT published for consultation its proposed decision not to refer the newspaper and magazine supply sector (which includes newspaper and magazine distribution) to the Competition Commission for a market investigation. The consultation closes on 19 May and the OFT plans to publish its decision by autumn 2009. BERR understands the OFT is monitoring recent market developments, and will carefully consider representations made by interested parties, including those on likely levels of competition, before taking a final decision on a referral.