HC Deb 08 November 1948 vol 457 cc1262-3
40. Viscount Hinchingbrooke

asked the Minister of Supply whether he intends to make representations to the Board of Trade under the Monopolies Act, 1948, in respect of the Nuffield—Austin merger.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

No, Sir.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Does not a very high proportion of the production of the 10–15 h.p. cars now come under this control?

Mr. Strauss

Yes, Sir, but action is only taken where a Government Department believes there is some abuse by the concentration in a few hands of a high proportion of production. We have no reason to believe that any such possibility exists here, or is likely to.

Mr. Edelman

Is my right hon. Friend aware that all informed opinion in the motor industry strongly approves the standardisation of the components which is likely to accrue?