§ 4. Mr. William Shepherdasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to ensure that trades or firms appearing before the Monopoly Commission are given copies of all evidence which could be held to reflect upon their trade or industry.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)I attach great importance to firms and trade bodies being aware of all the matters relevant to the Commission's consideration of their activities. I know the Commission are fully seized of the importance of this, and that they give ample opportunities to firms or trade bodies to correct any mistakes of fact and defend any activities whose effects on the public interest may be under consideration. I do not think any steps on my part are needed.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs my right hon. Friend aware that the industries already investigated do not feel that they had, and, in fact, have not had, an opportunity of hearing the evidence against them, and, in the interests of justice, is it not important that they should be so enabled?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftRepresentations of that character have not been brought to me. My impression is that everyone concerned is impressed by the fair and impartial way in which this particular tribunal has conducted its affairs.