§ 45. Mr. David Ecclesasked the Prime Minister whether he will specify the arrangements which restrict production, prices and employment referred to in paragraph 141 of the Economic Survey for 1947, Cmd. 7046.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)No, Sir. The reference is a general one to a class of arrangements which is very well known. They vary according to the industry but may not necessarily be directed specifically to secure restrictions, although this may be their effect.
§ Mr. EcclesIs the Prime Minister aware that two Members of his party, in the course of the economic Debate, denied that such restrictive practices existed, and is that not a very unsatisfactory state of affairs, since we want to get rid of these practices on both sides of industry? Would it not be better to come out in the open and say what they are?
§ The Prime MinisterThe subject has been debated very often. Some Members do not know of some restrictive practices, and others know of others. Really, you cannot hold the Government responsible for the fact that Members on both sides make statements of that kind.
§ Mr. ByersDo the Government accept responsibility for seeing that these restrictive practices on both sides are brought to an end?
§ The Prime MinisterIt all depends on how much you can do. I know the hon. Member and his party want us to put on other kinds of restrictions.
§ Mr. SorensenOn a point of Order. In view of the fact that the first part of Question 44 was not answered when the Minister gave a reply to Questions 29 and 44, which were taken together, can we now have a reply?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member should have asked a supplementary question then.
§ Mr. SorensenWhat is to be done when a reply is given and it does not cover the Question?
§ Mr. SpeakerIf the Question is not completely answered, it can be put down again.
§ Mr. EcclesI beg to give notice that I shall raise the question of restrictive practices on the Adjournment.