§ 8. Mr. SUGDENasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the recent absorption of Messrs. Loaders and Nucoline, Limited by Messrs. Lever Brothers, Limited; whether he is aware that this is a continuation of a policy which has been followed for some time by the firm in question; whether trust-like operations of this nature are threatening with extinction a large number of smaller firms who are thus finding it more and more difficult to ob- 6 tain suitable supplies of materials; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Sir A. GEDDESMy attention has been drawn to the statements that negotiations in the direction indicated in the first part of the question have been taking place. Investigations into a number of combinations, including one into the position in the soap industry, are being made under Section 3 of the Profiteering Act by the Standing Committee on Trusts, and I propose to await their Reports before considering what further action, if any, is desired and practicable.