HC Deb 15 March 1960 vol 619 c1097
12. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements are made for the payment of expenses incurred by witnesses giving evidence to the Monopolies Commission.

Mr. J. Rodgers

Under Section 8 (4) of the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices (Inquiry and Control) Act, 1948, the Commission has discretion to pay the expenses of any witness required to appear before it. The extent to which the Commission uses its discretion in this matter is for it to decide. I understand that it has not refused to make payments in any case in which it has been asked to do so.

Mr. Johnson

While welcoming that answer, may I ask whether my hon. Friend does not think that businessmen would be much better employed in looking after their businesses than in giving evidence to a body which produces negative results?

Mr. Rodgers

That may well be, but the total paid to witnesses has been negligible—only £10 so far.

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