§ 46. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Prime Minister if he will hold a public inquiry into restrictive practices, both in respect of labour and of trade.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. As regards labour, I think these matters are best dealt with by negotiation between the employers and the trade unions. As regards trade, my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council informed the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) on 30th July last that the 'Government intend to introduce legislation on restrictive practices when time permits, generally on the lines foreshadowed in the White Paper on Employment Policy. Power will be sought to inquire into the extent and effect of par- 1878 ticular arrangements and to take appropriate action to check those shown to he contrary to the interests of the nation.
§ Mr. ShepherdAm I to understand that the Prime Minister regards the obtaining of this vital information as of less immediate importance than the head-hunting Press Commission to which he has given sanction?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. It is a different method, that is all.