§ 33 and 34. Sir Percy Harris (for Mr. White)asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether he is aware that the proposed purchase of a sugar-refining undertaking in Liverpool will have the effect of creating a monopoly of sugar-refining in that district; and what action he proposes to take, in view of Section 8 of the Sugar Industry (Reorganisation) Act, 1936;
(2) whether, in consenting to agreements for the refining of sugar, made under Section 8 of the Sugar Industry (Reorganisation) Act, 1936, he has regard to the importance of preventing the 505 creation of a monopoly applying to refining in any particular district?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI have no information about any proposal to purchase a sugar-refining undertaking in Liverpool beyond statements which have appeared in the Press. In any case, neither Section 8 nor any other Section of the Sugar Industry (Reorganisation) Act, 1936, empowers me to take any action to deal with a situation of the kind envisaged by the hon. Member.