HC Deb 22 November 1951 vol 494 cc552-4
33. Mr. W. F. Deedes

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many industries are at present under the review of the Monopolies Commission; how many reports may be expected before the end of this year; and whether he will make a general statement on progress made.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Seven, Sir. As my hon. Friend knows, the Commission has already reported this year on the supply of cast iron rainwater goods and on the supply of electric lamps. I understand that a further report is not likely to be made this year.

On the last part of the Question, the Commission has now made three reports, and much preliminary work has, of course, been done on several of the other matters on which references have been made. These three reports have been widely and deservedly commended.

But it is plain that as now constituted, and with the present number of members, the Commission cannot improve on the present rate of performance, except at the risk of some lowering of the present high standard of reporting. I therefore intend, as already announced, to introduce next year a Measure to strengthen the Commission and widen the scope of its activities.

Mr. Deedes

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there are any other matters besides these specific industries that the Commission has to have under review? Are there not a large number of questions that have been referred to it which are now awaiting decision?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Yes, Sir; there are certain practices which can be referred to the Commission, but the scope of the Commission's inquiries is a matter which will fall to be decided when the Bill is put before the House of Commons.

Mr. Edelman

Will not the right hon. Gentleman at some future date bring the question of electrical equipment for the motor industry under review, and will he, in that connection, assure the House that he will make the fullest use of the invaluable experience of monopolies possessed by some of his Ministerial colleagues?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I should not hesitate to refer any appropriate matter to the Commission, but the difficulty at the moment is that with the Commission as at present constituted there is clearly a limit to the number of matters which it can consider. One of the first things we have to see to is how to strengthen the Commission and widen the scope of their inquiry.