Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will request the Competition and Markets Authority to initiate an inquiry into the effect of online retailers on the book publishing market.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is aware of concerns about some online retailers and book publishing. In its Draft Annual Plan for the next year it states that it anticipates ‘the CMA’s markets work will be particularly focussed on issues relating to the digital economy’. I have encouraged those with evidence of anti-competitive behaviour to submit that to the CMA which can take a decision on what action, if any, is necessary.